Sight and Sound - 02/01/2008
"Milestone's adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel stands alongside Ford's THE GRAPES OF WRATH as one of Hollywood's most poignant evocations of the Depression era."
Description by OLDIES.com:
John Steinbeck's classic novel brought to the silver screen. Set in the bucolic Salinas Valley of California in the 1930's, Of Mice and Men paints a bold, vivid picture of life in the depression era and tells the tragic tale of George (Burgess Meredith) and Lenny (Lon Chaney, Jr.), two itinerant farm hands searching for a safe haven from the cruelties of the world. Nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award in 1939, Of Mice and Men features a moving Oscar-nominated score from legendary composer Aaron Copland.
Product Description:
Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney, Jr. star as cousins George Milton and Lennie Small in director Lewis Milestone's adaptation of the Steinbeck classic. Itinerant workers in Depression-era California, they dream of saving enough to buy a ranch. But this seems unlikely, since they are constantly being fired due to the feeblemindedness of the mountainous Lennie. Soon after hiring on at a new ranch, they must confront the pugnacious Curly (Bob Steele), while trying to deal with his flirtatious wife, Mae (Betty Field).
Plot Synopsis:
Director Lewis Milestone, at one time an itinerant worker himself, conveys a profound sense of the loneliness in the wide open spaces of the West in this moving adaptation of the Steinbeck classic. Starring Burgess Meredith as George Milton and Lon Chaney, Jr. as his mentally-challenged, powerfully-built cousin, Lennie Small, the film follows the fortunes of the two wandering workers in Depression-era California. Although they're invariably fired from any job they get due to Lennie's limitations, George refuses to abandon his cousin, and they dream of saving enough money to one day buy a ranch, where Lennie will tend the rabbits. The two are hired on at the ranch of Jackson (Oscar O'Shea) and quickly find themselves at odds with his son Curly (Bob Steele), while his vacuous, flirtatious wife, Mae (Betty Field), teases the uncomprehending Lennie, enjoying her power over this behemoth. George, fearing the worst, warns Lennie to avoid her. Later, Lennie, who's unable to gauge his strength, accidentally kills a pet rabbit. Mae tries to console him by allowing him to stroke her hair, an offer which leads to tragedy. This extremely compelling film is one of Milestone's best, with Chaney giving the performance of his career, and Copland once again providing a score which powerfully evokes the West.
Plot Keywords:
Classic |
Farms
Production Notes:
Theatrical release: December 30, 1939.
The film was shot in Agoura, California.
Future director and bullfighter Budd Boetticher worked as a horse wrangler on the second unit.
It's A Wonderful Movie
Movie Lover: Wanda Lowery from
Jackson, TN -- October, 4, 2010
I seen this movie for the first time, two nights ago.
It was on one of my favorite channels, TMC with Robert Osborne.
Anyway, it was on, and I loved it.
The characters were real, and the stars that played them, were excellent!
I'm planning to buy this movie.
It is a wonderful classic!
Please go and rent it or buy it.
You'll love it.
Of Mice And Men (1939)
Movie Lover: Donald Goodyear from
Wilmington, DE US -- July, 5, 2007
This is by far the best filmed version of John Steinbeck's novel than any remake could ever be.I finally got this on DVD after not having seen it since 1976 on TV.Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr.'s performances are without a doubt true to the novel in almost every way!If you can own only One vintage hollywood movie,make it this one and discard any remakes.I couldn't find this in ANY video store,only the remake!! How sad.Thank God for Oldies.com!!!
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