How Green Was My Valley is John Ford’s last entry in his drama trilogy. It is based on the Richard Llewelyn novel, about a coal mining family in Wales, named Morgan. It chronicles their lives through the eyes of the youngest son, Hew, (Roddy McDowell); who is exceptional in this role. It is narrated by Irving Pichel. Narration can sometimes be annoying, but it is necessary in this film. The movie takes us through the family’s triumphs and tragedies. The family’s patriarch is Mr. Morgan, played by Donald Crisp: who plays as fine a father figure as anyone did in the movies. His great scene is when he tells his sons to leave; because they want to unionize. He is complemented by Sarah Allgood, as Mrs. Morgan. Sarah Allgood shows quality acting; when her characters stands up to the miners, who are harassing Mr. Morgan. She shows the love of a mother for her son, when she embraces Hew, when he walks to her.
Good acting is something that requires skill and a great deal of talent. Walter Pidgeon shows this in his role as Mr. Gruffydd, the minister. Pidgeon’s character is a positive force on the Griffin family. He gets Hue to take his first steps, after falling through ice crippled him. He falls for, but can’t allow his true feelings for Angharad, (Maureen O’Hara), to show. He lectures his parishioners about Christian values; when rumors fly, about an affair between him and Angharad, the Griffin’s married daughter. Maureen O’Hara’s Angharad, is in an unhappy marriage; with the son of the owner of the mine. She shows her unhappiness, when Hew comes to see her. Maureen O’Hara further displays her acting skills, when she displays her anger at Mr. Grufffydd. This is because a woman is condemned by a church elder, for her scandalous action. Angharad doesn’t understand Mr. Gruffydd’s silence. This was only the beginning of Maureen O’Hara’s collaboration with John Ford. Ford had a unique ability to show strong female characters in his films. Although he did not like her, he said she fit the parts, for which she was cast. Despite this, both of them gained from their collaborations. They would not have been as successful without each other.
How Green Was My Valley, was slated to be an epic film like Gone With the Wind. It was going to be shot in color, and filmed on location in Wales. Unfortunately the Wales location was scrapped, because of Britain’s involvement in World War II. The scheduled director of the film, William Wyler, was dropped, when his contract expired. It is at this point when John Ford: just like the soldiers his cavalry trilogy, comes to the rescue. He gets the most from a ranch and a state park, substituting for the Welsh countryside. He has given movie fans great scenes in this film. He has Maureen O’Hara singing when her father comes home, with Hue waiting; a charming moment. There is the scene of Bronwyn, (Anna Lee), who is brought in as a prospective bride for one of the Griffin brothers. There is the touching moment when Hue walks over to his mother, after months of being an invalid. The most interesting moment is after Angharad’s wedding. Her veil is blown up over her face. This looks like the wind did it, but the effect was done by a big fan. Many films rely on music to show dramatic moments. When tragic events happen in the mine, Ford uses a whistle. It is very effective, and the film gains by it. John Ford was asked what film was his favorite? This question, posed to him, was like asking a parent, who is their favorite child? Ford did come up with an answer. It was How Green Was My Valley. A person might ask, how a man who directed 147, films would pick this one. It is a little mystifying, but who can argue about John Ford’s choice. John Ford received for his efforts, his third academy award.
How Green Was My Valley is beautiful in its simplicity. It did not need color or Wales for realism. It turned out fine and shows the harsh reality and danger of coal miners lives. Its director, John Ford was known for his westerns. He said that he preferred the dramas, like How Green Was My Valley. Its a puzzling statement from someone who transformed the western: some of which are listed on the national registry of historic films. It doesn’t take away from his ability to transform a beloved book, into a beloved movie.