This is a gloriously beautiful black and white film, with several foundations for that beauty. First, there is the Oscar winning set design of Richard Day, Nathan Juran and Thomas Little, who recreated a totally believable Welsh town on the side the Santa Monica Mountains at Brent's Crags, near Malibu (plans to film the movie in Wales were abandoned when World War II broke out). This is one of the most memorable built sets in Hollywood history. Second, there is the Oscar winning photography of Arthur C. Miller, who would go on to win Oscars for cinematography of "Song of Bernadette" and "Anna and the King of Siam." Third, there is the singing of the Welsh Singers, who set the tone during the opening credits of the film (the same song that is song in a great moment in "Zulu," except this time it is sung in Welsh). Fourth, there is the young Irish actress Maureen O'Hara as the one daughter in the Morgan household. The only regret that this film is not in color comes from being denied the sight of O'Hara's red hair.

Beyond director Ford, who also won an Oscar, the key to this film becomes McDowell in terms of both his character and his performance. Huw is the character that brings the various episodes and plot threads together, and despite the deaths and departures that come during the film, the greatest tragedy in the film belongs to Huw. McDowell's simple and earnest performance is indeed the lynch pin of the film. The socio-political tone of the novel with regards to the labor union issue is toned down considerably, although the harsh realities faced by these Welsh coal miners are clearly represented.

"How Green Was My Valley" was the film that beat out "Citizen Kane" for the Academy Award for Best Picture (not to mention "The Maltese Falcon" and seven other films), although if you know the story of Orson Welles' masterpiece then you really have to be surprised the film was nominated (I bet it would not have been if there had been only five nominations allowed). This film was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1990.

Memory revisited
Review date: 2003-12-06 Rating: 10 out of 10

Each time I see this wonderfull film my memories are filled with with my late father, he was a miner who worked underground for 50 long years, he was of Welsh parents, my grandparents spoke Welsh, my grandfather was also a miner, in the days how mines where in How Green Was My Valley. My fater was burried in the mine for 24 hrs when a rock fall occured, forunately he was saved, and returned back the 'mine'this was the times when miners came home covered in coal dust, it was my job to wash him down in the tin bath by the fire What Memories I Have.

great piece form that great american director
Review date: 2003-01-17 Rating: 10 out of 10

I enjoy John Fords work, in particular his westerns, so was intrigued by this nostalgic story set in a rural coal mining town. While unappealing for many I'm sure, persevere and you'll find a delicate gem - a story about fragility of life and family. Melancholically shot in black and white with some stunning cinematography, the film is required viewing for those who can appreciate it.

'How Green Was My Valley' was a film close to Ford's heart - in the same way the 'Quiet Man' was. Although that latter film is more famous, it is this one which is the superior.

The DVD has no features to speak of except a trailer, but for a film this great, and a print this great who cares?

Classic tale of family life in a Welsh valley.
Review date: 2000-03-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

Classic tale of family life in a Welsh valley at the beginning of the 20th Century. It's the story of Huw Morgan, son of a Collier in a small Welsh village, and his family. It depicts life in a small mining village at the turn of the Century, and how the lives of the Morgan family changed with the times. It also shows how the mines changed the Welsh landscape.

A film with humour, romance, courage, hardship and sadness, this film is one of all the time classics, and a must to watch.

Excellent performances by Walter Pigeon, Maureen O'Hara and the young Rodney McDowell, amongst others.

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