Load of rubbish!!

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

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.

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 ****

I've loved this movie since I first saw it, although there's one thing that bothers me about the story.That Miss Moffat should have even suggested to Morgan that he not come to see her or his illegitimate child again, and make Oxford his sole involvement for the immediate future, seems to have been extremely presumptuous on her part, maybe even heartless.That Morgan should have conceded to her wishes, portrays him as being somewhat of a wimp, and certainly not the devoted, dedicated person Moffat's efforts have led him into becoming. Moffat, through her pronounced influence over Morgan, seems almost to have given him with one hand, and to have taken away with the other. The result is that he becomes more of a scholar, but less of a human being.Yes, Miss Moffat is the staunch, devoted teacher who has "discovered" Morgan as her "diamond in the rough", and it is without question that she has his best interests at heart, in identifying his talents to him and guiding him in their development. But it is equally certain that there is a bit of selfishness involved here, too, on her part. She wants both him, and herself to succeed, academically - regardless of the cost. And that cost, as it turns out, is to have him abandon his own flesh and blood in pursuit of the "higher goals" she has set for him. She has, in effect, exerted a masterly form of "mind control" over Morgan, which has effectively distorted his basic, just instincts, i.e. his access to paternal love. This development, near the end of the film, always leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth.

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.