# The Grapes of Wrath

> 1940 film by John Ford

**Wikidata**: [Q676039](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q676039)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grapes_of_Wrath_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-grapes-of-wrath-q676039

## Summary
*The Grapes of Wrath* is a 1940 American drama film directed by John Ford, based on John Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. It depicts the struggles of the Joad family as they migrate from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American cinema, known for its social commentary, powerful performances, and John Ford's direction.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 24, 1940 (premiere), with wider releases on February 27, 1940, and March 15, 1940.
- **Director**: John Ford.
- **Production Company**: 20th Century Studios (then 20th Century Fox).
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Genre**: Drama film.
- **Runtime**: 128 minutes.
- **Budget**: $800,000.
- **Box Office**: $2,500,000 (estimated).
- **Awards**:
  - Won the Academy Award for Best Director (John Ford) and Best Supporting Actress (Jane Darwell).
  - Nominated for five additional Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
  - Recognized by the National Board of Review as one of the Top Ten Films of 1940.
  - Added to the National Film Registry in 1989 for preservation in the Library of Congress.
- **Critical Reception**:
  - Rotten Tomatoes: 100% approval rating.
  - Metacritic: 96/100.
  - IMDb: 8.1/10.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film is considered a landmark in American cinema, addressing themes of poverty, migration, and resilience during the Great Depression.
- **Sitelink Count**: 46 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Wikidata Description**: "1940 film by John Ford."

## FAQs
**What is *The Grapes of Wrath* about?**
*The Grapes of Wrath* follows the Joad family, Oklahoma farmers displaced by the Dust Bowl, as they travel to California in search of work and a better life. The film explores themes of economic hardship, family bonds, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

**Who directed *The Grapes of Wrath*?**
The film was directed by John Ford, one of the most celebrated directors in Hollywood history. Ford is known for his work in Westerns and dramas, and *The Grapes of Wrath* is considered one of his finest achievements.

**What awards did *The Grapes of Wrath* win?**
The film won two Academy Awards: Best Director for John Ford and Best Supporting Actress for Jane Darwell. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Henry Fonda), Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Recording.

**Why is *The Grapes of Wrath* significant in film history?**
*The Grapes of Wrath* is significant for its powerful portrayal of social issues during the Great Depression. It is praised for its realistic depiction of poverty and migration, as well as its emotional depth and cinematic craftsmanship. The film remains a staple in discussions of American cinema and social realism.

**Is *The Grapes of Wrath* based on a book?**
Yes, the film is based on the 1939 novel *The Grapes of Wrath* by John Steinbeck, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The novel and film are both considered classics of American literature and cinema, respectively.

**Where can I watch *The Grapes of Wrath*?**
*The Grapes of Wrath* is available on various streaming platforms and home video formats. It is also frequently screened in film festivals and retrospectives dedicated to classic cinema.

## Why It Matters
*The Grapes of Wrath* matters because it captures the human experience of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era with unparalleled emotional depth and authenticity. The film serves as a historical document, shedding light on the struggles of migrant workers and the broader social and economic challenges of the time. Its themes of resilience, family, and social justice remain relevant today, making it a timeless piece of cinema.

The film's critical and commercial success solidified John Ford's reputation as a master filmmaker and contributed to the legacy of American social realism in cinema. Its inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

## Notable For
- **Academy Awards**: Won Best Director and Best Supporting Actress, with nominations in five other categories.
- **National Film Registry**: Added in 1989 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96/100 score on Metacritic.
- **Social Commentary**: A powerful depiction of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, addressing themes of poverty and migration.
- **John Ford’s Direction**: Considered one of Ford’s greatest works, showcasing his ability to blend realism with emotional storytelling.
- **Henry Fonda’s Performance**: Fonda’s portrayal of Tom Joad is iconic and widely praised.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film has influenced generations of filmmakers and remains a staple in discussions of American cinema.
- **Literary Adaptation**: Faithful and impactful adaptation of John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

## Body
### Overview
*The Grapes of Wrath* is a 1940 American drama film directed by John Ford and produced by 20th Century Studios. Based on John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of the Joad family, who are forced to leave their Oklahoma farm during the Dust Bowl and travel to California in search of work and a better life. The film stars Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, Jane Darwell as Ma Joad, and John Carradine as the ex-preacher Casy.

### Production and Release
- **Production Company**: 20th Century Studios (then known as 20th Century Fox).
- **Director**: John Ford, who was already an established director known for his work in Westerns and dramas.
- **Screenplay**: Written by Nunnally Johnson, based on Steinbeck’s novel.
- **Release Dates**:
  - Premiere: January 24, 1940.
  - Wider releases: February 27, 1940, and March 15, 1940.
- **Budget**: $800,000.
- **Box Office**: Estimated $2,500,000.

### Cast and Characters
- **Henry Fonda** as Tom Joad: The protagonist, a former prisoner who becomes the moral center of the family.
- **Jane Darwell** as Ma Joad: The matriarch of the Joad family, who holds the family together through their struggles.
- **John Carradine** as Casy: A former preacher who accompanies the Joads on their journey.
- **Charley Grapewin** as Grandpa Joad: The family patriarch, who is reluctant to leave Oklahoma.
- **Dorris Bowdon** as Rosasharn Rivers: Tom’s sister, who is pregnant and married to Connie Rivers.
- **Russell Simpson** as Pa Joad: The father of the family, who struggles to provide for his loved ones.

### Themes and Social Commentary
*The Grapes of Wrath* is renowned for its powerful social commentary on the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The film explores themes of poverty, migration, family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit. It highlights the struggles of migrant workers and the exploitation they faced in California, making it a significant work of social realism in American cinema.

### Critical Reception and Awards
- **Academy Awards**:
  - Won: Best Director (John Ford), Best Supporting Actress (Jane Darwell).
  - Nominated: Best Picture, Best Actor (Henry Fonda), Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Recording.
- **National Board of Review**: Named one of the Top Ten Films of 1940.
- **National Film Registry**: Added in 1989 for preservation in the Library of Congress.
- **Critical Ratings**:
  - Rotten Tomatoes: 100% approval rating.
  - Metacritic: 96/100.
  - IMDb: 8.1/10.

### Cultural and Historical Impact
*The Grapes of Wrath* is considered a landmark in American cinema for its realistic portrayal of the Great Depression and its emotional depth. The film has influenced generations of filmmakers and remains a staple in discussions of social realism and American history. Its themes of resilience and family continue to resonate with audiences today.

### Legacy and Preservation
The film’s inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical significance. It is frequently studied in film schools and screened at retrospectives and film festivals. The film’s legacy is also tied to its faithful adaptation of Steinbeck’s novel, which remains a classic of American literature.

### Related Works and Adaptations
- **Novel**: *The Grapes of Wrath* by John Steinbeck (1939), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
- **Other Adaptations**: The novel has been adapted into stage plays, operas, and other media, but the 1940 film remains the most famous adaptation.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 128 minutes.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.37:1 (original theatrical ratio).
- **Sound**: Mono.
- **Color**: Black and white.

### Availability and Viewing
*The Grapes of Wrath* is available on various streaming platforms, DVD, and Blu-ray. It is also frequently screened in film festivals and retrospectives dedicated to classic cinema.

### Connected Entities
- **20th Century Studios**: The production company behind the film, known for its significant contributions to American cinema.
- **John Ford**: The director, renowned for his work in Westerns and dramas.
- **Henry Fonda**: The lead actor, whose performance as Tom Joad is iconic.
- **Jane Darwell**: The actress who won an Academy Award for her role as Ma Joad.
- **National Film Registry**: The film’s inclusion in this registry highlights its cultural and historical importance.
- **Academy Awards**: The film’s recognition at the Oscars solidifies its place in film history.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1941)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. The Movie Database
6. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
7. The Grapes of Wrath. Rotten Tomatoes
8. IMDb
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032551/releaseinfo)
10. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-grapes-of-wrath/)
11. AlloCiné
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. film distribution certificate
14. Bechdel Test Movie List
15. mymovies.it
16. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/FE81-7109-81B0-A824-E6D6-3)
17. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/80788)
18. Trakt.tv
19. FilmVandaag.nl