With her degree, an inherited estate in a small Welsh village, and a modest amount of money in the bank, Miss Lilly Moffat--a confirmed and not-reluctant spinster in 1895 who shows early signs of women's liberation--opens a school on her property for the uneducated locals and the illiterate boys who work in the nearby coal mine. Surely finding a hidden scholar amongst her pupils would bring Miss Moffat pride, but it may require a life-long sacrifice from her... Terrific drama from Warner Bros. with light and sentimental moments, music from the song-happy miners and students, and theatrical yet effective performances from the large cast. Bette Davis brings a persnickety wisdom to Miss Moffat, a clipped yet jaunty stride which invites warm human interaction during the infrequent moments when she's not all business. The students do not worship the regal Miss Moffat in fearful admiration, nor do the townspeople question her reign over the educational system--everyone, in fact, falls right in league with her, as if she were the Pied Piper of teachers. The background noise is kept to a blessed minimum in order to concentrate on the relationship between teacher and student; quite amazingly, each of the many characters blossoms as a result. Smartly-attuned adaptation of Emlyn Williams' play provides the perfect vehicle for Davis (seldom better), as well as John Dall (Oscar-nominated as the miner whose early essay signals to his teacher that he may have much more to offer than meets the eye). Slightly hoked-up near the finale, but still a sprightly, hearty film, beautifully produced. *** from ****