Amazon.com Synopsis & Video Description
John Ford's classic screen translation of Steinbeck's searing Depression-era novel, "The Grapes of Wrath." Unable to earn enough money to live, or grow enough food to eat, the Joads leave behind the dust-laden farms of the Midwest and head for what they imagine to be the gold mountains of California. But when they arrive, the naive and trustful family runs up against innumerable disasters, both natural and man-made.
Based on Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1939 novel, this film chronicles the migration to California of an Oklahoma family during the Dustbowl period of the 1930's. Fonda gives an inspirational performance as Tom Joad, a poor farmer who refuses to be beaten down by misfortune and oppression. Academy Award Nominations: 7, including Best Picture, Best Actor--Henry Fonda, Best Screenplay. Academy Awards: Best Director, Best Supporting Actress--Jane Darwell.
Reviews
Ranking No. 21 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films, this 1940 classic is a bit dated in its noble sentimentality, but it remains a luminous example of Hollywood classicism from the peerless director of mythic Americana, John Ford. Adapted by Nunnally Johnson from John Steinbeck's classic novel, the film tells a simple story about Oklahoma farmers leaving the depression-era dustbowl for the promised land of California, but it's the story's emotional resonance and theme of human perseverance that makes the movie so richly and timelessly rewarding. It's all about the humble Joad family's cross-country trek to escape the economic devastation of their ruined farmland, beginning when Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) returns from a four-year prison term to discover that his family home is empty. He's reunited with his family just as they're setting out for the westbound journey, and thus begins an odyssey of saddening losses and strengthening hopes. As Ma Joad, Oscar-winner Jane Darwell is the embodiment of one of America's greatest social tragedies and the "Okie" spirit of pressing forward against all odds (as she says, "because we're the people"). A documentary-styled production for which Ford and cinematographer Gregg Toland demanded painstaking authenticity, The Grapes of Wrath is much more than a classy, old-fashioned history lesson. With dialogue and scenes that rank among the most moving and memorable ever filmed, it's a classic among classics--simply put, one of the finest films ever made. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Classic Americana of Okies moving from dust bowl to California during Depression, lovingly brought to screen. Fonda, as ex-con, is unforgettable in role of his life. Darwell, as determined family matriarch, and Ford won well-deserved Oscars. Written for the screen (from John Steinbeck's classic) and produced by Nunnally Johnson. Don't miss this one. --From Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide.