Big-time Liberal propaganda

Rating: 5/10 (2 April 2005)

The Grapes Of Wrath is an interesting, beautifully-filmed, powerful movie, but a story so marred by obvious liberal bias that it takes away from the presentation.
GOOD NEWS: With the fabulous black-and-white contrasts here, I wish John Ford had directed a bunch of film noirs because this sure has the feel of one. Great photography. Henry Fonda is the lead character and does a fine job as usual but Jane Darwell steals the show as the matriarch of the family. John Carradine almost does the same with his ex-preacher role. The scenes of the family all piled on this old jalopy is one that will stay with you.
BAD NEWS: This film was way ahead of its time, left-wing-wise, and it's no wonder it's still such a favorite with the liberal/secular population. Let's start with the "preacher." Right off the bat, we get the typical Hollywood fallen preacher role in which the man has lost his faith and then admits he doesn't have a clue. Later, he gives some of his theology which no Oklahoma preacher would ever believe in. For example, he has no idea what grace is.
Then we have another modern-day Hollywood staple: everyone in authority is portrayed as a ruthless, sadistic thug, from the cops to the leaders of the camps. The only one who is shown to be compassionate is the kindly gentleman who espouses all the virtues of socialism and communism, which Fonda then praises to the hilt the rest of the movie, along with an incredibly stupid monologue on New Age religion.
Liberals/atheists: watch this film! You'll love it. Conservatives/Christians: get out the barf bags.
Cinematography buffs: watch this on DVD, but turn the sound off!