A poignant scene from “How Green Was My Valley” showcasing the close-knit Morgan family in their Welsh mining village.
“How Green Was My Valley” often sparks conversation not just for its cinematic merit, but for its surprising victory at the Academy Awards. In 1941, this film clinched the Best Picture Oscar, overshadowing cinematic giants like “Citizen Kane,” “The Maltese Falcon,” and “Suspicion.” This win has cemented its place in Oscar history, frequently cited as one of the most controversial upsets. While other nominees like “Blossoms in the Dust” and “The Little Foxes” also vied for the coveted award in a year that nominated ten films, it’s “How Green Was My Valley” that consistently remains at the center of this debate.
However, to simply label “How Green Was My Valley” as an undeserving victor is to overlook its profound impact and the cultural context of its time. The film’s release in the wake of Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II is crucial. In a period of immense uncertainty and national mobilization, “How Green Was My Valley” resonated deeply with audiences and Academy voters alike, offering a powerful message of community, resilience, and the enduring strength of family bonds amidst hardship.
Adapted from Richard Llewellyn’s novel, the film transports viewers to the fictional Welsh coal mining valley of Cwm Rhondda in the late 19th century. It intimately chronicles the lives of the Morgan family, respected pillars of their village. Initially, the valley thrives with a sense of unity and abundance. Yet, over time, the narrative arc follows a poignant descent into poverty and societal fragmentation due to the harsh realities of industrial change. “How Green Was My Valley” masterfully balances bittersweet moments, weaving sadness and tragedy with glimmers of hope, familial love, and the unwavering spirit of community.
The Morgan Family: A Microcosm of Welsh Valley Life
At its heart, “How Green Was My Valley” is a story about unity and collective responsibility. It explores how individuals navigate personal desires within the framework of the common good – a theme that undoubtedly struck a chord as a generation faced the global conflict of WWII. The film’s stellar cast brings these themes to life with compelling performances. Maureen O’Hara embodies Angharad, the spirited daughter, while Walter Pidgeon portrays Mr. Gruffydd, the idealistic local pastor, in a poignant and restrained love story that underscores the film’s themes of sacrifice and societal expectations. Roddy McDowall, in a remarkable child performance, narrates the story as Huw Morgan, the youngest son, providing an innocent yet insightful perspective on the unfolding family saga.
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Interestingly, despite the film’s widespread acclaim, O’Hara, Pidgeon, and McDowall were not nominated for Oscars. However, Donald Crisp and Sara Allgood, portraying the elder Morgans, received nominations, with Crisp winning Best Supporting Actor. John Ford won Best Director, and the film also secured awards for Art Direction and Cinematography (Arthur Miller). Further nominations included Best Adapted Screenplay (Philip Dunne), Film Editing, Original Score (Alfred Newman), and Sound Recording, highlighting the film’s comprehensive cinematic excellence.
The narrative of “How Green Was My Valley” is beautifully framed by Huw’s narration, reflecting on his childhood from a distance of forty years. This framing device enhances the film’s elegiac tone as Huw prepares to leave a valley scarred by industrial decline and coal slag. Despite his academic gifts and the opportunity for a scholarship, Huw initially chooses to follow his family’s mining tradition. A particularly moving scene captures Huw’s father, Gwilym (Crisp), offering him the scholarship, only to witness a fleeting but profound sense of pride when Huw declares his intention to become a miner. This poignant moment quickly shifts to the grim realization that Huw is choosing a life of hardship and danger.
Themes of Loss, Tradition, and Community
Tragedy permeates the Morgan family’s story, with mining accidents claiming the lives of several family members. Economic hardship further erodes their way of life as mine owners cut wages and suppress unionization efforts, forcing some Morgans to seek opportunities in America. The once-bustling Morgan family dinner table, a symbol of their unity and prosperity, gradually diminishes, serving as a stark reminder of their declining fortunes.
Beyond the compelling narrative, “How Green Was My Valley” is enriched by the melodic cadence of Welsh dialogue and song, celebrating Welsh cultural heritage. Combined with breathtaking visuals of the Welsh mountains and valleys, the film is a sensory masterpiece. Huw’s narration encapsulates this beautifully: “For singing is in my people as sight is in the eye,” underscoring the integral role of music and visual beauty in Welsh identity.
The film unfolds episodically, focusing on different characters and events. The story begins with the wedding of Ivor, Huw’s eldest brother, and introduces Bronwen, with whom young Huw becomes infatuated. The arrival of Pastor Gruffydd and Angharad’s immediate attraction sets in motion a central, yet unfulfilled, romance. A significant portion of the film centers on a miners’ strike, highlighting the social and economic struggles of the community. Gwilym’s opposition to the strike leads to community conflict, and a near-fatal accident involving Mrs. Morgan and Huw during the strike further emphasizes the hardship they endure.
Huw’s experiences at the national school, where he faces bullying and class prejudice, and his subsequent boxing lessons from Dai Bando add further layers to his coming-of-age story. The mine owner, Mr. Evans, proposing his son as a suitor for Angharad, precipitates Angharad’s confession of love for Gruffydd. Despite their mutual affection, Gruffydd refuses to condemn Angharad to a life of poverty, leading to her departure and eventual return, still yearning for the pastor. Gruffydd’s powerful departure speech, denouncing hypocrisy and fear within the congregation, marks a turning point and underscores the film’s themes of faith and community integrity.
Cinematic Achievement and Lasting Legacy
Due to the constraints of wartime Europe, John Ford’s vision of filming in Wales was realized through an elaborate 80-acre set built in the Santa Monica Mountains. The colliery, initially a symbol of opportunity and hard work, transforms into a menacing presence, representing danger and exploitation as the film progresses. Gwilym’s tragic death in a mining accident serves as a somber conclusion, signifying Huw’s premature assumption of responsibility as head of the household.
Reflecting on “How Green Was My Valley,” parallels emerge with Frank McCourt’s “Angela’s Ashes,” both portraying childhoods marked by poverty and limited opportunities. While McCourt escapes through education and words, Huw initially rejects this path, choosing tradition over personal advancement, a decision that ultimately leads to a poignant reflection on the changing times and the sacrifices made for family and community.
In conclusion, questioning “How Green Was My Valley”‘s Best Picture win diminishes its significant contribution to cinema. While “Citizen Kane” boasts technical innovation, “How Green Was My Valley” offers a deeply emotional and authentic portrayal of human resilience and the enduring power of community in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, making its Oscar recognition, in retrospect, truly well-deserved. It is not just a film about a specific time and place, but a timeless exploration of universal human experiences that continue to resonate with audiences today.
