And the Best Picture goes to....

Told through the grown-up eyes of Roddy McDowall’s character, “How Green Was My Valley” is a heartwarming and emotional portrayal of a coal mining family in turn-of-the-century Wales. Beating out some heavy competition, including “Citizen Kane,” “The Maltese Falcon,” and “The Little Foxes,” the film beautifully captures the trials and tribulations of the Morgan family as they navigate through the challenges of their time.

The stellar cast delivers powerful performances, with standout acting by Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O’Hara, Anna Lee, Donald Crisp, and Roddy McDowall—with Crisp winning the film’s only acting award for Supporting Actor. The film’s cinematography, art direction, and score create a captivating atmosphere that immerses the audience in the world of the characters. They certainly succeed in convincing viewers that they’ve been transported to a Welsh village, far, far away from the actual filming location in Southern California.

In my opinion John Ford’s Best Director win is questionable due to the inconsistencies of the accents, which I found very noticeable. Walter Pidgeon, known for his deep, smooth voice, had absolutely no trace of a Welsh accent in this film, while Sara Allgood, who played the Morgan family matriarch, seemed to have more of an Irish brogue. At least Anna Lee did have a British accent, though crisp and refined as it was.

Otherwise, with its poignant and engaging storytelling, “How Green Was My Valley” deserves its accolades and remains a classic. It’s a warmhearted family film that represents close-knit values.