The Grapes of Wrath

Name: The Grapes of Wrath
Genre: Drama, History
Released: March 15, 1940
Duration: 129 min
Rating: 96
Cast: Charley Grapewin, Dorris Bowdon, Eddie Quillan, Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell

1940

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 16 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 72 Ratings

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 72 Ratings

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The Grapes Of Wrath

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Movie Details & Credits

Twentieth Century Fox | Release Date: March 15, 1940 | Approved

Starring: Charley Grapewin, Dorris Bowdon, Eddie Quillan, Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, John Qualen, O.Z. Whitehead, Russell Simpson, Zeffie Tilbury

Summary: A poor Midwest family is forced off their land. They travel to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great Depression.

Director: John Ford

Genre(s): Drama, History

Rating: Approved

Runtime: 129 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Ford's visualization of Steinbeck's novel is so emotionally gripping that viewers have little time to collect themselves from one powerful scene to the next. Read full review

100

Michael Wilmington

One of the great American social films: strong, ribald, deeply compassionate. [30 Sep 2005, p.C6]

100

Staff (Not Credited)

The Grapes of Wrath is possibly the best picture ever made from a so-so book. It is certainly the best picture Darryl F. Zanuck has produced or Nunnally Johnson scripted. It would be the best John Ford had directed if he had not already made "The Informer." Read full review

100

Empire Am

Gregg Toland captures the open spaces and big skies of rural America, while the normally conservative Ford puts forward a sympathetic but radical plea for workers' rights and freedom for the people. Read full review

100

Mike Clark

As son Tom Joad, Henry Fonda gave the screen performance of his career. [09 Apr 2004, p.10E]

The Telegraph Sheila Johnston

John Carradine's mercurial whiskey preacher and Jane Darwell's salt-of-the-earth farmer are sharply etched, and Fonda's quietly authoritative performance has stood the test of time. Read full review

Pauline Kael

This famous film, high on most lists of the greatest films of all time, seems all wrong - phony when it should ring true. Yet, because of the material, it is often moving in spite of the acting, the directing, and the pseudo-Biblical pore-people talk.

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User Reviews

YeetusMcGeetus

Sep 11, 2019

This is a masterpiece of historical storytelling. I grew up watching this movie, and it is one of those timeless dramas you can watch again and again.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

The3AcademySins

Sep 11, 2019

The Grapes of Wrath is a classic film that stands out as one of the American greats. Not only does it hold up today, but it stands out as one of the best adaptations of a novel I have ever seen. The stunning visuals really help sell the sense of hopelessness that pervades The GreatThe Grapes of Wrath is a classic film that stands out as one of the American greats. Not only does it hold up today, but it stands out as one of the best adaptations of a novel I have ever seen. The stunning visuals really help sell the sense of hopelessness that pervades The Great Depression. The performances are fantastic and the ensemble cast really bares their souls and shares their pains, their hopes, their dreams, and their inevitable defeat. This is a must see movie for film buffs.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

IntegrateDan

Jun 23, 2021

John Steinbeck's classic novel adapted beautifully into a tale that perfectly captures the essence of the time period.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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