Picture 14: How Green Was My Valley (1941)

The 1941 Academy takes us to Victorian era rural Wales where the mining towns are beginning to emerge in the Valleys. We join a seven child Morgan family as they negotiate this transition. A 13 year old Roddy McDowall plays the youngest in the family - Huw.

The cinematography is truly excellent for its day. You can almost sense how green the Valley is through the black and white screen. The strength of the Welsh rural community is palpable. Miners sing on their way to work and back. It is idyllic - reminiscent of Frodo and his friends in the shire at the start of Lord of the Rings.

However, as industry takes hold the sky darkens and so does the mood. Miners have their wages reduced and go on strike. Their 22 week continuous strike puts the British Medical Association in perspective. Facing loss of income and tremendous hardships, the community is put under immense strain. Huw's innocence is gradually lost in tandem with the darkening of the green hills with the smoke of industry.

Brilliantly acted and directed, 1941's entry is hard to beat. Understandably it is one of Clint Eastwood's favourite films.

Reflections:

1. After death we live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved us.

Rating:

9/10

Oscar Best Picture Rankings:

1. Rebecca (1940)

2. How Green Was My Valley (1941)

3. Gone With the Wind (1939)

4. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

5. Wings (1928)

6. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

7. You can’t take it with you (1938)

8. Cimarron (1931)

9. Grand Hotel (1932)

10. It Happened One Night (1934)

11. Cavalcade (1933)

12. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

13. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

14. The Broadway Melody (1929)