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.