The film opens with a disclaimer stating that the play on which it is based upon is the longest running one in American Theater history; it ends with a deep realization that some stories may best be saved for the stage. It is hard to believe that John Ford directed this failed comedic re-examination of the depression, a theme he had masterfully explored in his adaptation of Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath the year before. Whether his mind was on other matters or focused mainly on Gene Tierney's primal sexuality, it is clear that Ford's preoccupation wasn't on his cast's acting. The entire performances were exaggeratingly over-played, especially that of Dude Lester (William Tracy), the youngest of the Lester clan. Leading man Jeeter Lester (Charley Grapewin) was also very stereotypical in his hillbilly personification, making it hard for any of his antics, or his plight, to be taken seriously. Even Ward Bond, whom I usually like, is whinny and unconvincing as a miserable Lester son-in-law. Tobacco Road is perhaps interesting to the extent that it proves that even John Ford couldn't win 'em all.
No comments:
Post a Comment