The Corn is Green

Set in the backdrop of the 19th century Victorian-era Wales, The Corn is Green portrays the perseverance and resolve of a strong-willed woman named Miss Lilly Moffat, played by the ever impressive and renowned Bette Davis. Directed by Irving Rapper, the movie is based on a play by Emlyn Williams, enveloped in dramatic turns and enlightening human interaction.

Lilly Moffat, a vibrant Englishwoman, arrives in a small Welsh mining town with a fundamental motive - to impart education to the underprivileged children of the coal miners and instill a sense of purpose in their life, changing the often grimly accepted notions of poverty and lack. The mining town is guarded by its traditions, skepticism towards education, and an inherent lack of ambition among its inhabitants, actively thriving in the sooty pits.

It presents an excellent setting, aiding the spectacular Bette Davis to carry an impactful narrative on her shoulders. Displaying all the grace the viewers often associate with her, Davis triumphantly brings life to Moffat’s character with her defining style, showcasing an invincible and determined educator.

The plot thickens as Moffat discovers an untapped literary talent, Morgan Evans, astoundingly portrayed by John Dall. Evans, a hardened miner, brims with the intellectual prowess least expected from someone in his position. The movie progression hinges upon the nurturing of his talent, leading him onto a journey from the coal pits to the hallowed halls of Oxford University.

Their relationship begins on a mentor-apprentice note but escalates to a complex knot consisting of mutual respect, parental affection, moments of teacher-student scuffle, and some unexpressed feelings. The chemistry between Davis and Dall is depicted brilliantly. Their exchanges primarily move the narrative, while other admirably executed sub-plots enhance the overall richness of the movie.

Just when Evans is on the brink of achieving the improbable dream that Moffat fiercely hopes for him, a wild card is introduced. The character of Bessie, played by Joan Lorring, is portrayed as a spoiled, seductive, and impulsive young woman who could sabotage Evans's path to a future. Lorring adds finesse to her role, setting in motion a series of events that test Moffat and Evans like never before.

On the other hand, Nigel Bruce provides occasional comic relief in the movie with his character, the Squire. He is a traditionally rigid yet naive individual who symbolizes the deep-seated conventional norms prevalent in the small Welsh town.

The Corn is Green is not just about the transformative journey of a young miner’s life, but also about the resilience of a woman standing firm in her beliefs amidst countless challenges. Neither poverty nor age nor gender limit Moffat from accomplishing her dreams.

The movie slots precisely into a social melodrama, incorporating dialogues on womanhood, class, tradition, and education. The nuanced portrayal of Victorian social standards, gender roles, and the profound divide between traditions and modernity imbue the narrative with a realistic undertone.

Rapper’s direction captures the grimy and dusty Welsh mining town aptly, contrasting it effectively with the glimmers of education and hope that Moffat brings. The black-and-white cinematography further enhances the narrative’s depth, maintaining a gloomy yet hopeful ambiance throughout the film.

The Corn is Green meticulously tells the story of a woman’s crusade against tradition, ignorance, and poverty. The film effectively delves into themes of education and its transformative power, capable of revoking the chains of the labor class and offering a potential path towards a brighter future.

The performances in the movie, especially from Davis and Dall, are nothing short of phenomenal. Their compelling screen presence smoothens out any bump in the narrative and keeps the viewers engaged. It is an enduring movie filled with moments of triumph and despair, creating a cinematic masterpiece that proves to be a treat for Bette Davis fans and cinema enthusiasts alike.

The Corn is Green subtly mixes the elements of social drama and compelling storytelling with noteworthy performances. This film is a testament to the potential of human spirit and the impact a committed teacher can have on her students’ lives. This classic is not just a piece of impactful cinema but an inspiring tale of education, change, resistance, and an undying spirit of hope.