When Miss Lilly Moffat decided to settle in a small Welsh village, little prepared her for the horrible conditions all around her new surroundings. The coal mines were not far away, so it was inevitable to see the mainly teen aged boys going to work, and worst yet, seeing them return home covered in coal dust. In spite of their hard life, the lads always sang the country airs they loved so well.
Miss Moffat decided against her better judgment to start a school for the locals because she sees the need to bring education to the poor rural area. With the help of two other teachers, Mr. Jones and Miss Ronberry, the classes begin. The Squire, an unofficial sort of mayor, was not too keen in the idea, perhaps because his own interests in the mine. He could see that learning to read and write would make the people challenge his authority, his knowledge and his status.
With a lot of patience, Miss Moffat concentrates in one boy, Morgan Evans, because she realizes he has potential to make something out of himself. Morgan, in turn, gets the inspiration and support from the tireless Lilly Moffat. When she decides to nominate him for a scholarship to Oxford, Morgan is taken by surprise, but goes along with her plans, which almost get derailed when he has a night of passion with the daughter of the cook, Bessie. Miss Moffat, who learns about how Bessie has her own plans for Morgan, comes to the rescue.
"The Corn is Green" was an enormous hit on the American theater. The leading queen of the New York stage, Ethel Barrymore, made an unforgettable Miss Moffat and became a legend for her brilliant take on the character. Warner Bros. made an interesting choice when they entrusted Bette Davis, the brightest star of the studio to portray Lilly Moffat. This was one of her best performances, and yet, this picture didn't help much her career.
As directed by Irving Rapper, the film kept its theatrical flavor. The adaptation opened the play, but not enough. For John Dall, a theater actor, this was his first film. He held his own playing against Ms. Davis. He went to give an inspired performance, worthy of his character. Mildred Dunnock appears as Ms. Ronberry and Rhys Williams is the loyal Mr. Jones. Nigel Bruce and Joan Lorring have also good moments in the film.
The film is recommended to Bette Davis fans because she made Lilly Moffat credible and did wonders with the role.
Miss Moffat decided against her better judgment to start a school for the locals because she sees the need to bring education to the poor rural area. With the help of two other teachers, Mr. Jones and Miss Ronberry, the classes begin. The Squire, an unofficial sort of mayor, was not too keen in the idea, perhaps because his own interests in the mine. He could see that learning to read and write would make the people challenge his authority, his knowledge and his status.
With a lot of patience, Miss Moffat concentrates in one boy, Morgan Evans, because she realizes he has potential to make something out of himself. Morgan, in turn, gets the inspiration and support from the tireless Lilly Moffat. When she decides to nominate him for a scholarship to Oxford, Morgan is taken by surprise, but goes along with her plans, which almost get derailed when he has a night of passion with the daughter of the cook, Bessie. Miss Moffat, who learns about how Bessie has her own plans for Morgan, comes to the rescue.
"The Corn is Green" was an enormous hit on the American theater. The leading queen of the New York stage, Ethel Barrymore, made an unforgettable Miss Moffat and became a legend for her brilliant take on the character. Warner Bros. made an interesting choice when they entrusted Bette Davis, the brightest star of the studio to portray Lilly Moffat. This was one of her best performances, and yet, this picture didn't help much her career.
As directed by Irving Rapper, the film kept its theatrical flavor. The adaptation opened the play, but not enough. For John Dall, a theater actor, this was his first film. He held his own playing against Ms. Davis. He went to give an inspired performance, worthy of his character. Mildred Dunnock appears as Ms. Ronberry and Rhys Williams is the loyal Mr. Jones. Nigel Bruce and Joan Lorring have also good moments in the film.
The film is recommended to Bette Davis fans because she made Lilly Moffat credible and did wonders with the role.