Classic Novel Becomes Classic Film

Rating: 8/10 (3 December 2014)

A poor Midwest family is forced off of their land. They travel to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great Depression.
Now, I don't claim to understand the historical accuracy of this film. I don't know much about the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, or the struggles of the Oklahoma natives in the 1930s. But from what I do understand, Steinbeck told it well and John Ford probably toned it down a little to make it palatable for audiences.
Henry Fonda shines here. Although he had already broken out as the title character in "Young Mr. Lincoln" (1939), also directed by John Ford, he is said to have really launched his career on "Grapes of Wrath" following his Oscar nomination. Indeed, the best was yet to come, with "12 Angry Men" (1957) still far down the road.