The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.
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Release Date: 1940

DVD Release Date: April 6th, 2004

Not Yet Rated |2 hr 9 min

Plot Summary

The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.

Cast: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Charley Grapewin, Dorris Bowdon, Russell Simpson, O.Z. Whitehead, John Qualen

Director: John Ford

Genres: Drama

Production Co: 20th Century Fox

Keywords: Family, Pursuit, Quest, Emotional, Escape, 1930s

Cast & Crew

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Ratings & Reviews

100
Mike ClarkUSA Today
As son Tom Joad, Henry Fonda gave the screen performance of his career. [09 Apr 2004, p.10E]
100
Michael WilmingtonChicago Tribune
One of the great American social films: strong, ribald, deeply compassionate. [30 Sep 2005, p.C6]
100
Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times
The message is boldly displayed, but told with characters of such sympathy and images of such beauty that audiences leave the theater feeling more pity than anger or resolve. It's a message movie, but not a recruiting poster. show more