Film Society screens ‘Grapes of Wrath’
Joyce Rudolph, Enjoy!
GLENDALE -- What makes the 1940 movie “The Grapes of Wrath” a classic?
Audiences can relate to the story today and it emphasizes the strength of
the American family, believes film historian Rudy Behlmer.
Director John Ford’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s book reveals the
hardships of the Joad family’s trip to California from Oklahoma, which
suffered drought and crop failures and became a dust bowl during the
Depression.
The film takes a fictional family and follows its exodus to the
promised land, Behlmer said. It was based on real-life stories documented
by Steinbeck, who accompanied some of the families on their trips West.
While problems families face today are different, the story transcends
that time and that problem, Behlmer said.
“You can identify with certain aspects,” he said. “People can
sympathize and empathize with what these people are going through -- like
rationing money.”
The movie will be presented by The Alex Film Society at 2 and 8 p.m.
Saturday at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. The screening is part of The
Alex Theatre’s 75th-anniversary salute to 20th Century Fox, the studio
that released “Grapes.”
After publication, Steinbeck’s book met with controversy, Behlmer
said. Some people tried to prevent the movie from being made.
It related a true depiction of the grief and exploitation the families
suffered along their travels, the grim treatment they met at encampments
and their disenchantment after arriving in California to find jobs were
scarce.
Some of Oklahoma’s agricultural officials were angry about the
negative publicity, which they claimed drove citizens away, Behlmer said.
The film was even banned in certain states. And California officials
objected to their state being cast in a bad light.
But the movie sends out a strong, positive message about the strength
of the family unit, Behlmer said.
“The message is ‘We will survive and persevere,’ ” he said.
A former TV producer and director, Behlmer has written eight books and
produced commentaries and documentaries on DVD and videos, all relating
to film history.
In his book, “Memo From Darryl F. Zanuck,” there is a copy of a letter
written by Steinbeck about the handling of the story by co-producer
Zanuck and co-producer/screenwriter Nunnally Johnson. In essence, he
wrote, the film was true to the spirit of the book.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: “The Grapes of Wrath” directed by John Ford, adapted from John
Steinbeck’s book.
WHEN: 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.
PRICE: $8.50, $7 matinee, $6 Alex Film Society members, available at
the box office or by calling (800) 233-3123.
INFO: 754-8250 or Web site www.keyconnect.com/alexfilmsoc.
BONUS: Cast members Dorris Bowdon, Darryl Hickman and Shirley Mills
will be interviewed on stage by host Leonard Maltin at the 8 p.m.
screening.