The Corn Is Green (1945) User Reviews

Our Miss Moffatt

[nycritic · 7/10 · 7 June 2006]

By now, Bette Davis was having her pick of the type of movies she wanted to make and was known to sacrifice looks for parts that were meaty and difficult. Playing Lily Moffatt must have been a breeze for her, because it allowed her to eliminate all of her grandiose trademark gestures, act in a more paused, restrained way, and let the character's own energy flow out of her and thus dictate how it wanted to convey itself on screen.

Acting against newcomer John Dall she comes off as an equal instead of the experiences actress she by then was: she allows Dall to express himself quite strongly, although at times his Welsh accent wavers in and out. It's too bad, however, that despite this strong debut, Oscar nominated for Supporting Actor, which was followed by ROPE and GUN CRAZY, Dall practically had nothing to hold onto when it came to movies and disappeared for the majority of the Fifties, returning only for SPARTACUS and a smattering of other films.

It's too bad, but one of the many stories of brief careers that make their mark in one or more movies. Speaking of which, Joan Lorring was another actress who took her role and ran with it. For her acting she was awarded, like Dall, a Supporting Actress nomination, but was little seen after 1948. If it weren't for this footnote in her career she'd be all but a forgotten supporting actress; she manages to eclipse Davis in two scenes in the movie, and her exit is also memorable.

Davis probably didn't get a nomination because by now it seemed she could phone in her emotions and play this kind of role in her sleep. Even so, it's a very good role, very understated, not very well remembered (except by her hardcore fans), and the last hit she would have because from 1946 on her movies would start losing money and be of varying quality, that is, until her great comeback as Margo Channing in ALL ABOUT EVE.

A highly engaging drama

[Glaschu · 8/10 · 13 August 1999]

This was a late-night tv surprise. The Corn is Green is a highly engaging drama. Bette Davis is good as the well-intentioned, well-meaning but not always successful social engineer and pioneer in adult education, set in a rural Welsh mining town. A surprisingly 'modern' film for its release date with regard to its frankness about out-of-wedlock pregnancy. There was a good deal of Welsh language banter and phrases peppered throughout the film, despite the story's bias against Welsh in preference for the male lead receiving a 'proper' education in English. The film cannot be faulted for its expression of negative attitudes toward the indigenous language of Wales since minority languages were viewed as a detriment to progress in the modern world at the time. We know better now, but much damage has been done to the likes of the people depicted in the Welsh mining town of the Corn is Green, surrounded by a larger culture bent on their assimilation. This is an entertaining and near-tragic story which made me think.

A Notable Debut By John Dall

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 8 April 2018]

I profess that I have a love for good films about teaching. This one stars Bette Davis as Lilly Moffatt, a spinster schoolteacher, whose desires for elevating the minds of young people who are destined to a life of coal mining in a Welsh community, becomes focused on the promising talents of Morgan Evans, a young man who shows a spark of superior intellect.

Miss Davis is well suited to her role, a woman of restrained passions. While watching her, there are moments when I sense similarities with the acting style of Meryl Streep.

The rest of the cast is quite good. John Dall, in his film debut, plays Mr. Evans. It is an inspired performance that earned an Academy Award nomination.

Based upon a true story, TCIG invites comparisons to "My Fair Lady" and, especially, "Spencer's Mountain" in regard to the central story about molding a young mind.

I have one criticism. The singing vocals are so strong that they are distracting. A small group of young, work-weary miners should not sound like the men's chorus at the Met, for example.

Miss Moffatt might be seen by some as selfless in her dedication to higher principles. She denies herself of so much in her pursuit of education. But hers is a selfish campaign for transformation-of a man, a town, perhaps a country. She trades something of lesser value for something of greater value, so she does not sacrifice, even in her final dramatic decision. And it is her pursuit of a greater purpose that gives her story nobility. And the pleasure she finds in her achievements can only be seen as justifiable and virtuous.

Who Knows Where Literacy Might Lead

[bkoganbing · 10/10 · 6 June 2008]

Bette Davis in her career got 10 nominations and two Oscars for Best Actress. I was amazed to learn that The Corn Is Green was not one of the ten. This has to be one of her five best films. And the interesting thing about it is that her performance as Ms. Moffatt contains none of the Bette Davis shtick we associate with her.

The Corn Is Green, a play by Emlyn Williams ran for 477 performances on Broadway between 1940 to 1942 and then in 1943 the road company was called back to Broadway to give another 56 performances during that season. The role of Ms. Moffatt the school teacher originated with Ethel Barrymore and three members of the Broadway cast repeated their roles for the screen, Mildred Dunnock, Rosalind Ivan, and Rhys Williams.

Because Ethel Barrymore would have been 61 at the time she debuted with The Corn is Green on Broadway and Davis only 37 of necessity the interpretations would have been different. Davis has been left some property in a Welsh village and she's unlike any woman who's ever come there. She has an MA from Oxford, the fact she can read and write strikes some as amazing. She resolves to teach the young folks in the village to do the same, a plan with which a lot of the villagers are opposed.

Most notably opposed is Nigel Bruce who plays the local titled gentry in the place and who prides the fact that the folks there call him 'squire' in many different tones of voice. He's a living embodiment of the Colonel Blimp character from Great Britain. He also is an owner of the local mine and he's quite frank in that if you start teaching people how to read and write who knows what kind of unrest it could lead to. He was my favorite character in the film. One scene in it is priceless how Bette Davis who first tells him what an oaf he is later decides to use a little flattery to get what she wants from him.

What she wants is his patronage for a certain young miner who shows great promise and a literary bent. That would be John Dall who if he can tear himself away from his drinking buddies at the tavern and the attentions of town tart Joan Lorring has a chance to go to Oxford, he's that intelligent.

Education was the theme here and a theme in that other Welsh classic How Green Was My Valley where the hopes and dreams of the Morgan family are wrapped up in Roddy McDowall going to school and getting an education to escape a life in the coal mines. But I found better comparisons with The Corn Is Green to a couple of modern classics, Good Will Hunting and All The Right Moves. Robin Williams reacted the same way in Good Will Hunting when he saw janitor Matt Damon do those math equations. Also John Dall wants to use his writing talents to escape the mines the same way Tom Cruise wants to use a football scholarship to escape the coal mines in Pennsylvania. And Cruise gets a lot of the same opposition that Dall gets from those jealous he has an opportunity to leave the mines.

Though Bette Davis was not nominated for anything, The Corn Is Green got two nominations John Dall for Best Supporting Actor and Joan Lorring for Best Supporting Actress. They lost to James Dunn and Anne Revere respectively.

Dall's career never got the momentum it should have from this film and from Alfred Hitchcock's Rope. He was very much in the celluloid closet and fear of exposure haunted him throughout a life that was given to a lot of substance abuse.

As for Lorring you have not seen too many low class tramps on the screen to match her. Dall gets her pregnant and her condition leads to the climax of the film. Lorring also never quite fulfilled the promise she showed in The Corn Is Green.

The themes of education and literacy are timeless, you can see it in the more modern films I've compared The Corn Is Green too. It's a film not to be missed or acquired if possible. And for Bette Davis's devoted fans, an absolute must. She would not get a part as good as Ms. Moffatt until she did All About Eve.

One of Warners Best

[kevshrop · 10/10 · 4 October 2005]

The Corn is Green is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. Thoroughly engaging and full of comic as well as dramatic moments. Bette Davis is fantastic and is backed up by a varied and talented cast. It's sentimental and sharp. A perfect blend. It gets overlooked so often by "best lists" and it's a shame. I remember the first time I saw it back in the late 1980's. I wondered how such a treasure could be ignored for so long. I hope it gets released to DVD soon. Unfortunately the current print that's on VHS and shown on Turner Classic Movies is worn and looks like it's falling apart. Maybe that print is all that's available. No matter. Don't pass up a chance on seeing this cinematic gem. This is great movie making and theatre all in one.

One of the Best Movies of All Time!!!

[Pheebs1487 · 24 October 2001]

The Corn is Green is one of my favorite movies and for the longest time I never knew the title of it. Bette Davis is wonderful as the teacher who unleashes the genius of Morgan Evans, a Welsh mining town's prodigy. There are so many obstacles that Morgan must overcome, and to see him do this is wonderful. Every time I watch it I am still amazed at Bessie's devilishness and I just love the actress's voice! It is so interesting. Everything in this film makes me feel all good inside and no movie collection is complete without it. The Corn is Green deserves five stars, two thumbs up, and a perfect ten. Everyone should watch this movie. It gives you a new perspective on the world, and even on the life of people at one time in history. I truly love The Corn is Green and if I had not seen it, I would not be who I am today.

How Green Was My Corn in the Valley.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 23 November 2012]

When Miss Moffat arrives in a small rural Welch community to start a school for both young and old, at first she is met with some resistance. But before she even has all of her books unpacked, the classes are packed, and practically everybody in the community is anxious to learn to read and write. She finds one particularly gifted student (John Dall) whom she tutors on the side, sure he is smart enough to pass an exam for a scholarship to Oxford. But the trashy Joan Loring, a train wreck waiting to happen, has her eyes on Dall, much like Delilah did on Samson. This threatens to destroy Dall's chances for a bright future, which is something that the tough Miss Moffat can't allow to happen.

The hit Broadway play (by Emlyn Williams) was a triumph for the legendary Ethel Barrymore, but for the screen, Warner Brothers cast the younger Bette Davis. I don't think it is necessary to explain why, but in the mid 1940's, Davis was the Queen of Cinema, much like Ms. Barrymore was the Queen of the Theatre (or at least one of many). Not afraid to age herself (as proved in the previous year's "Mr. Skeffington"), Davis does make herself look more matronly than her 35 years. Her voice here has become what the imitators mimic, so at times, the performance does seem a bit more mannered and less subtle. The Oscar nominations went to Dall and Loring, even though they never went onto become household names. Loring's character is probably one of the most vicious young women ever on screen, sort of a grown-up version of "These Three's" Bonita Granville. Her passive/aggressive sweetness has a tinge of acid in it, and when she finally explodes, she reminds me of Davis's Mildred in "Of Human Bondage". Dall's performance is much subtler, as his role gives him the chance to let the character grow from uneducated hick to a young man with much promise ahead of him.

Outstanding production design makes this an attractive film to look at, and it is fascinating to watch unwind. In smaller roles, Nigel Bruce, Mildred Dunnock, Rhys Williams and Rosalind Ivan shine; Ivan's character (Loring's mother who amusingly admits she can't stand her own daughter!) has a final up there with the Margaret Hamilton slap that Granville got in "These Three". There is a bit of late war patriotism propaganda here as Davis's final speech on what Dall must focus on now that he's moving to a new life seems to be a plea for the young men of America to strive to move past their potential.

Makes you think.

[SarahKayW · 9/10 · 26 July 2003]

Definately a must see! Davis's performance was remarkable, subdued but full of emotion and depth without over acting. The actor playing Morgan Evan's is very remarkable being his first film. He and Davis exchange witty banter that makes you appreciate both actors without taking any of the lime light away from the other. The characters were complex and showed facets of ourselves. This movie really makes you think. It's my favorite Davis picture. The themes were very mature and ahead of their time. It's sort of like a early Peyton Place!

true story of Welsh school marm

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 16 September 2008]

One of the TEN great films that Davis worked on with Director Irving Rapper, "The Corn is Green" tells the true story of a Welsh school marm who takes on the town. The first big name we see is the pompous "Squire", played by Nigel Bruce, who was Dr. Watson for so many years in all those Sherlock Holmes stories. Davis could play any part, and didn't care how bad or frumpy she looked, as long as she could sink her teeth into the part and make it a strong personality. That's just what she does here as the self-made teacher, Miss Moffat, determined to educate the town's poor workers, who sing on the way to and from work. She needs the help of Mr. Jone's (Rhys Williams, who had a role in How Green was my Valley). At 115 minutes, they pack a lot into the story, including several songs by the Saint Lukes Episcopal Chorus, which had performed in about 20 films in the 1930s and 1940s. Cute bits by Thomas Louden as the old man doing his best to learn. Also Joan Lorring as Bessie Watty, one of the antagonists.

Magnificent Classic from 1945

[whpratt1 · 10/10 · 13 September 2007]

Enjoyed this great film classic from 1945 starring Betty Davis as Miss Lilly Moffat who inherits a home in Wales in a coal mining town where young men sing coming home from the mines full of coal dust and filth all over them. Lilly Moffat finds out how uneducated all the people are in the town and decides to start a school for everyone, even the coal miners. However, she discovers a young miner who has exceptional intelligence and has the ability to write, but his spelling is very poor. This young miner is Morgan Evans, (John Dall) who is given the opportunity to prepare for Oxford University but with many obstacles that enter into his life and distract him from a wonderful future. Bessie Watty, ( Joan Lorring ) is a wild young girl who flirts with Morgan Evans and they spend a night together that later on causes many problems for this determined young man to advance himself in higher institutions of learning. This is a great dramatic film with great acting by Nigel Bruce, (The Squire) and a wonderful actress Betty Davis. Enjoy a truly great Classic film from 1945.

Celebrated play turned into first-rate movie experience...Davis excels with a pip of a character

[moonspinner55 · 7/10 · 21 September 2009]

With her degree, an inherited estate in a small Welsh village, and a modest amount of money in the bank, Miss Lilly Moffat--a confirmed and not-reluctant spinster in 1895 who shows early signs of women's liberation--opens a school on her property for the uneducated locals and the illiterate boys who work in the nearby coal mine. Surely finding a hidden scholar amongst her pupils would bring Miss Moffat pride, but it may require a life-long sacrifice from her... Terrific drama from Warner Bros. with light and sentimental moments, music from the song-happy miners and students, and theatrical yet effective performances from the large cast. Bette Davis brings a persnickety wisdom to Miss Moffat, a clipped yet jaunty stride which invites warm human interaction during the infrequent moments when she's not all business. The students do not worship the regal Miss Moffat in fearful admiration, nor do the townspeople question her reign over the educational system--everyone, in fact, falls right in league with her, as if she were the Pied Piper of teachers. The background noise is kept to a blessed minimum in order to concentrate on the relationship between teacher and student; quite amazingly, each of the many characters blossoms as a result. Smartly-attuned adaptation of Emlyn Williams' play provides the perfect vehicle for Davis (seldom better), as well as John Dall (Oscar-nominated as the miner whose early essay signals to his teacher that he may have much more to offer than meets the eye). Slightly hoked-up near the finale, but still a sprightly, hearty film, beautifully produced. *** from ****

exceptional

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 8 May 2006]

This movie would be a GREAT film to watch after watching the wonderful HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY. Both are about rural Wales and deal with the simple coal mining families.

Bette Davis plays an Englishwoman who comes to a rural town in Wales and is appalled by the ignorance of the people, as hardly any of them can read and write. So, she sets up a school in her home and devotes her life to teaching students of all ages. Later in the film, she finds a star student who has a chance to make something of himself and leave this poor town for Oxford. But, at the same time, a very annoying little tart tries her best to de-rail this--mostly because she COULD. The tart is thrilled that the young man bound for Oxford is the father of her soon-to-be-born child--not because she cares at all for him but because it seemed to fill her with self-importance and power. Well, through the selfless efforts of Ms. Davis, this is resolved and the young bloke goes on to make something of himself.

The film is very well-crafted--with exceptional acting by all (the Welsh accents were good and Ms. Davis did well with her English accent), direction and script. A nice film all around and well worth your time.

By the way, the 1979 made for TV remake, starring Katharine Hepburn, it also WELL worth seeing. In fact, I think you should consider watching both!

good formulaic of woman rescues disadvantaged children

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 30 November 2014]

It's 1895 in the small remote Welsh village of Glansarno. Schoolteacher Lilly Moffat (Bette Davis) is left a building by her uncle. Everybody expected a man and is surprised especially her degree in Master of Arts. She is dismayed by the illiterate children working in the coal mines and she sets up a school for them. Safe Mr. Jones and spinster Miss Ronberry are enlisted to help. Her housekeeper Mrs. Watty tries to be helpful but her daughter Bessie (Joan Lorring) is quite a gossiping schemer. The Squire who owns most of the town including a half-share of the mine opposes Moffat's school. She takes an interest in promising student Morgan Evans (John Dall) who she hopes to go to Oxford University.

This is a simple traditional proper principled woman coming to rescue poor disadvantaged kids. The 'kids' could look a bit younger. John Dall is pass his mid-20s. Although both him and Joan Lorring did get Oscar nominations for their performance. This is workable formulaic film.

So unreal

[colinedwards-24845 · 1/10 · 17 July 2018]

I hardly know where to start - so perhaps with the name of the town GLANSARNO. Since it is supposed to be set in the remote countryside of Wales, perhaps PONTSARNO or LLANSARNO or even TRESARNO would make it more believable. The FAQ asks what is the meaning of the name and DOESN'T EVEN ANSWER IT!! Most mining towns were NOT remote, and in 1895 were connected by railways. Oh dear, and what choices for the songs the miners sang travelling from work - hard songs even for the many excellent Welsh choirs and then near the end what an insult to have the pupils since one of the most well-known and famous Welsh songs 'Ar Hyd Y Nos' (All Through the Night') in ENGLISH!!! Most English speakers have trouble with Welsh and so to have a crafty illiterate Bessie Watty sing a beautiful song in perfect Welsh to the apple of her lusty eyes is also so unbelievable. Can't believe that to advertise the school to a town of illiterate and predominately Welsh-speaking townsfolk, Miss Moffat decides to use posters!!! That would not work and again - the poster of course is in English. Add to that, the English were distrusted and she would have needed to work hard very hard to gain acceptance. I can't believe there was anyone connected with the film who knew ANYTHING of Welsh country life and although many small independent 'schools' existed, every mining town had a State School by 1895 - they were not 'remote'. The stand-out character was John Dall and the only other believable characters were Rhys Williams (Mr Jones), Mildred Dunnock (Miss Ronberry) and Rosalind Ivan (Mrs Watty). Bette Davis depicted a strong character but one without empathy, love and conviction so necessary for her role as an educator. The imperious, isolated and punishing character she portrayed would not have gone well with the villagers or the potential students. A mine-owner (50% share) squire would have been feared rather than loved and although I like the bumbling Nigel Bruce I thought him poorly cast. When one sees a 'true' mining town so excellently depicted in 'How Green Was My Valley' it is truly the apogee when compared this film - the nadir in so many respects.

Effective filming of stage play...Bette Davis quietly convincing...

[Doylenf · 27 May 2001]

Bette Davis offers an interesting, more restrained performance than usual as Miss Moffat, the schoolteacher determined to help a brilliant student (John Dall) reach his full potential. Although handsomely photographed, the film has the look of a photographed stage play with its studio-bound outdoor sets--but the performances are all so vibrant that they become more important than any other ingredient.

John Dall is excellent in what was his first major role, as is Joan Lorring as Bessie (the girl who takes his mind off his studies). Nigel Bruce, Mildred Dunnock and Rosalind Ivan create fully rounded performances under Irving Rapper's sensitive direction. But it is Davis, of course, who holds the spotlight with one of her most tasteful performances--intelligent and yet full of feeling and emotion.

As I said earlier, all of it shows its stage origins and the singing of the Welsh miners is a bit too perfect for reality--but the film is both entertaining and thought-provoking, dealing as it does with some serious issues. Ahead of its time, in its out-of-wedlock theme.

The Corn is Certainly Ripe "Corn is Green" ***1/2

[edwagreen · 9/10 · 15 September 2007]

In comparison to past and her performances after 1945, Bette Davis gave a restrained but compelling performance as the schoolteacher in a Welsh town who wants to improve the education of the town's children (already mostly miners in "The How Green Was My Valley" vein) through education.

In this wonderful performance, I see elements of Davis's "The Little Foxes" as well as her 1944 film "Mr.Skeffington."

Leave it to Davis to find a brilliant student, a terrific John Dall, in her midst. The problem is that Dall is a drinker who feels he is betraying his fellow miners in pursuing an education. The maid's daughter, Bessie, played with evil intent by a fabulous Joan Loring, gets into trouble thanks to Dall, and she threatens to ruin all concerned. The end, where Davis agrees to take the unborn child and raise it herself, while vowing never to see Dall again, may be regarded today as corny but is well done.

This film is memorable because of its depiction of class structure and the opportunity for upward mobility. Both Dall and Loring received Oscar nominations in the supporting categories but Davis was denied a best actress nomination here which is somewhat surprising.

Mildred Dunnock and Rhys Williams costar as teachers in Ms. Moffat's school. Dunnock, so young here, but displays the same vulnerability as Elsie Thornton in 1957's "Peyton Place."

Difficult yet rewarding; Not to be missed

[Night Must Fall · 10/10 · 12 July 2002]

(Spoilerific)

PLOT/SUBJECT MATTER: Firstly, I'd like to comment on an issue in the film that some reviewers found objectionable – that of the suppression of the Welsh language and culture for British ideals and the English language. I think the film needs to be looked at as is – a commentary, a reaction to this. Knowing but a little about the Welsh way of life in those times, I cannot say for certain, but I think most people, especially the lower classes depicted in the film, had very little opportunity or means to fight the acquisition of the British culture, language and influence. This does NOT make the argument correct. It is merely a sad fact. The film's inhabitants represent a microcosm of this sector, and the audience is meant to see how they were forced into assimilating into a new way of life, regardless of whether or not they wanted to. This is what the film depicts, and it should be judged accordingly.

PERFORMANCES: John Dall – Let me say that after watching this movie how surprised I am that John Dall (Morgan Evans) didn't become a major star. He is wonderful, and does a good job with the accent. Dall is another actor who conveys so much with just his eyes or a turn of the head. Watch his reactions to Bette Davis in their big confrontation scene – damn, he's good. Amazingly, The Corn is Green was his first film. I keep missing Gun Crazy whenever it's on, but can't wait to catch it someday. Dall was excellent in Rope as well. Too bad he only made a few films. Here he is formidable as coal miner turned Oxford-bound student, playing the unglamorous role with both subtlety and ease.

Bette Davis – gives an outstanding performance here. Once you get past the makeup (she's supposed to be older than she was at the time), the feisty Davis can be seen. She plays the determined teacher with pure conviction. Another strong-willed role for her to sink her teeth into – Davis' forte.

Joan Lorring – This was Lorring's first movie, and her reprehensible character, Bessie Watty (what a name!) is one you love to hate. The venom in her eyes! She makes the false, `Oh! I've hurt my knee!' and `I'm in a coma!' lines unforgettable. However, I did feel a little sorry for Bessie because of her mother's comments about never liking her. It's easy to see why she was so cold-hearted. Lorring is great in Three Strangers with Peter Lorre, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Sidney Greenstreet, too. Check that one out.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS: Lilly Moffat (Bette Davis) is a flawed character indeed. She is a take-no-prisoners powerhouse. When need arises, she plays both the bull* artist (innocent, helpless woman-folk, to gain the squire's benefaction) and cautious, dangerous protector (threatening Bessie's life to shield Morgan from what she perceives as harm). She stands behind her convictions, rightly or wrongly, 100%. Miss Moffat's motives are often questionable. In the film, she explains them all away, yet this viewer was left with quite some mixed feelings about her character. This is a good thing, mind you, as the film as a whole certainly left a big impression on me due to several unresolved issues. That's one sign of a good movie.

Morgan Evans (John Dall) is also a flawed character. Has he sold out, given in, given up, or done the best thing? The film seems to say his choice was correct (he did not waste his potential), yet it is up to the viewer to decide. Dall plays the whole spectrum of the character's conflicts so believably that it is easy to sympathize with Morgan, who is torn between two worlds and two completely different sets of ideals.

Davis and Dall have great chemistry together, and all of their scenes ignite a spark. As Lilly and Morgan, it is great to watch two stubborn rams lock horns, then reach a difficult arrangement that perfectly suits no one. An appropriately bittersweet ending to a visceral film.

Irving Rapper's direction is superb. The sweeping shots of the countryside and the miners going to and from work, the claustrophobic atmosphere of the tiny school, and the hostile environment of the local public house (great fight scene!) all lend the film a sense of realism.

Nigel Bruce is very witty as the Squire (`the impertinence!'), and Mildred Dunnock and Rhys Williams as the hapless Miss Ronberry and Mr. Jones are also very good.

One final note: I love the song the coal miners (and Bessie) sing, even though I do not understand the words. A very nice song – I would love to get my hands on a copy. Diolch and goodnight.

Another tale about a Welsh coal mining village near Hollywood.

[cornishrexrasta · 7/10 · 18 October 2018]

The Corn Is Green is an adaptation of a 1938 play by Emlyn Williams. It is also a shameless attempt to cash in on the success of How Green Was My Valley and ought to be called "The Wheat is Golden" due to a single shot of a man cutting wheat. Welshman Rhys Williams stars in both films and here amongst the absent corn, gives another good performance. I should also mention Bette Davis is excellent in this too.

Some of the acting is unnecessarily over exaggerated particularly the femme fatale but that is true of many films of the time. If you choose not to draw comparison with more recent films it can be said that The Corn Is Green is thoughtful, entertaining and more importantly a champion of the virtues of education.

Goodbye Miss Moffat

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 10 September 2009]

When Miss Lilly Moffat decided to settle in a small Welsh village, little prepared her for the horrible conditions all around her new surroundings. The coal mines were not far away, so it was inevitable to see the mainly teen aged boys going to work, and worst yet, seeing them return home covered in coal dust. In spite of their hard life, the lads always sang the country airs they loved so well.

Miss Moffat decided against her better judgment to start a school for the locals because she sees the need to bring education to the poor rural area. With the help of two other teachers, Mr. Jones and Miss Ronberry, the classes begin. The Squire, an unofficial sort of mayor, was not too keen in the idea, perhaps because his own interests in the mine. He could see that learning to read and write would make the people challenge his authority, his knowledge and his status.

With a lot of patience, Miss Moffat concentrates in one boy, Morgan Evans, because she realizes he has potential to make something out of himself. Morgan, in turn, gets the inspiration and support from the tireless Lilly Moffat. When she decides to nominate him for a scholarship to Oxford, Morgan is taken by surprise, but goes along with her plans, which almost get derailed when he has a night of passion with the daughter of the cook, Bessie. Miss Moffat, who learns about how Bessie has her own plans for Morgan, comes to the rescue.

"The Corn is Green" was an enormous hit on the American theater. The leading queen of the New York stage, Ethel Barrymore, made an unforgettable Miss Moffat and became a legend for her brilliant take on the character. Warner Bros. made an interesting choice when they entrusted Bette Davis, the brightest star of the studio to portray Lilly Moffat. This was one of her best performances, and yet, this picture didn't help much her career.

As directed by Irving Rapper, the film kept its theatrical flavor. The adaptation opened the play, but not enough. For John Dall, a theater actor, this was his first film. He held his own playing against Ms. Davis. He went to give an inspired performance, worthy of his character. Mildred Dunnock appears as Ms. Ronberry and Rhys Williams is the loyal Mr. Jones. Nigel Bruce and Joan Lorring have also good moments in the film.

The film is recommended to Bette Davis fans because she made Lilly Moffat credible and did wonders with the role.

Bette Davis Harvests John Dall

[wes-connors · 7/10 · 20 September 2008]

English spinster teacher Bette Davis (as Lilly Moffat) arrives to open a school in a Welsh coal-mining village; she meets opposition from backwards-thinking locals like Nigel Bruce (as Squire), but perseveres. Ms. Davis' efforts are rewarded as pupil John Dall (as Morgan Evans) shows great academic promise. Davis thinks Mr. Dall has what it takes to attend Oxford University. But, breaking Dall free of his socio-economic status proves to be especially difficult, after he has a child-producing dalliance with seductive Joan Lorring (as Bessie Watty). Emlyn Williams' play "The Corn Is Green" makes an oddly impassionate translation to film; however, its mannered performances are notable. Perhaps inadvertently, Davis and Dall help by giving the impression something forbidden is simmering beneath the surface of their scripted relationship.

******* The Corn Is Green (3/29/45) Irving Rapper ~ Bette Davis, John Dall, Joan Lorring, Nigel Bruce

..a real story for real life..

[fimimix · 10/10 · 15 September 2007]

What a pleasure to find an old friend - much remembered, some forgotten. This is a STORY, one that could really happen in real life; all of the characters are flawed, as most people are.

Director Irving Rapper kept tight reign on his cast, but allowed each actor/actress to perform to their highest potential. Frank Cavett's script did not contain surprises that wouldn't happen in daily life. One can just as easily get caught-up in mundanely slow-action movies as one does in high-action ones - you have the chance to listen/watch the movie, but compare it with things that really occur.

"Miss Moffat" (Bette Davis) sets the high-moral figure - and played her role with consummate skill - as the teacher-to-all ages in the school she sets-up in her home.....perhaps a precursor to adult-education ? Of course, all of the characters were imbued with a gentler demeanor than is our standard today....how nice to see people not out for "me". Nigel Bruce ("The Squire") gave the impression he, too, might need some coaching, and is charming in his simple-but-reachable role. "Morgan" (John Dall) played the role of miner-scholar with stellar aplomb - he was a good match for "Miss Moffat" in his role. "Bessie" made it clear she was out "to get" "Morgan" - an easy job.

I'm not sure if the ending of this film was the one I saw. My clearest remembrance of "The Corn is Green" is the final scene, as "Morgan" goes-off to Oxford, as "Miss Moffat" stands in the window looking out (for at least three minutes) - every emotional registering on her face. That Davis woman......

"The Corn is Green" is a movie for all ages with fabulous viewing. BECAUSE it could happen, although simple, is what makes it so great. I would rate it as 50, if I could. The copy TCM presented was brilliant, not faded and scratchy as some have stated here. Perhaps the long-waited DVD? It belongs in everyone's collection - I hope it will soon be in mine.

knowledge can be dangerous

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 6 August 2020]

The story of an inspirational teacher has gotten overdone by this point, but "The Corn Is Green" is an early example. Bette Davis stars as a woman who moves to a Welsh mining town and hopes to teach the inhabitants how to read. Maybe one person might even be able to go to college!

The scene that really stood out to me was her character's burn to Nigel Bruce's local aristocrat. Let's just say that you haven't truly lived until you've heard that sort of biting remark! In another scene, we hear a reminder that knowledge is a dangerous thing: the more someone knows, the more someone can resist. Is it any wonder that those in power would like to keep us all ignorant?

John Dall and Joan Lorring received Academy Award nominations for their performances, but didn't win. No matter. Everyone turns in fine performances. This isn't the most well known movie, but you should check it out if you get a chance. A fine piece of work.

Dissapointing acting by Ms Davis

[Celeste_1977 · 2/10 · 11 April 2021]

The plot goes around of a woman that has a school that tries to educate poor boys that worked in coal mines (?). Later the teacher (Ms Davis) tries to get a scholarship for one of the boys. I have not seen the movie completly from end to end, because I soon found it a little dragging and uninteresting. I do not find good the acting of Ms Davis. Other may critiquize me for not applauding Ms Davis, but my opinion has also a right here. I am sorry to dissapoint any fans.

Good Drama & Character Study

[Snow Leopard · 5 October 2001]

This is a good drama and character study, and though the story moves a bit slowly at times, it incorporates some interesting angles. In the role of an erudite teacher trying to bring education to a Welsh mining community, Bette Davis is good even though the role is not ideal for her. The supporting cast complements her well, with John Dall particularly believable as her star student. Nigel Bruce has an entertaining, if somewhat exaggerated, role as the town Squire.

The story takes a pretty good look at the ups and downs of what Davis's character is trying to do, and the perspectives of the main characters are usually presented effectively. There isn't a lot of action, but it has a few good dramatic moments, and the characters are worth caring about.

It's worth seeing to watch Davis and the rest of the cast perform, and also for its thoughtful look at its characters.

In the name of education.; Bette Davis as a school teacher.

[michaelRokeefe · 8/10 · 4 August 2011]

Thirty-seven yr old Bette Davis dons figure concealing padding to play a much older Lily Moffatt, who tries to bring education to a small Welsh coal mining town right before 1900. She inherits property and the community is a bit standoffish from the new interloper. She notices young men march to and from work in the coal mine and feels there has to be something better for the younger men. The thoughts of building a school gets the thumbs down from the town Squire(Nigel Bruce)and of course the villagers follow his lead. Miss Moffitt turns her own home into a school to teach just fundamentals to anyone who wishes. A young coal miner, Morgan Evans(John Dall)catches her eye showing promise. Her steadfast tutoring prepares him for the chance to take an entrance exam for Oxford University. She charms the Squire into sponsoring the young man. On Morgan's return to wait for his test marks, a young woman named Bessie(Joan Lorring)arrives to spoil any good news...for she has had the young scholar's child. Her mind is set on blackmail for some of Morgan's scholarship funds. It will take some great human sacrifice to allow the former coal miner to continue his higher education. There are some scenes to provoke human conscience. The workers singing on the way to and from work is definitely unrealistic. Nevertheless THE CORN IS GREEN is a heartfelt human drama. Other players include: Mildred Dunnock, Rhys Williams, Rosalind Ivan and Thomas Louden.