Dave S
Based faithfully on John Steinbeck's novella, the film adaptation of Of Mice and Men tells the story of migrant workers George (Burgess Meredith), diminutive but fiercely intelligent, and Lennie (Lon Chaney Jr.), powerful but mentally challenged, and the remarkable bond that cements their relationship. It is a timeless story about the importance of enduring friendships and, perhaps more pointedly, the myth of the American Dream. While Chaney often seems to overplay his role, Meredith gives an absolutely stunning (and sadly underrated) performance as Lennie's compassionate but firm guardian. As inspiring as the story is in many ways, the tragedy in the final scene seems inevitable and will impact most audiences today as profoundly as it did when the movie was released over eighty years ago.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
10/28/23
Full Review
Audience Member
It's amazing that a film as good as this one came from a small studio like Hal Roach. Sure, they released many of their films through MGM but they were tiny and specialized in short comedies with the likes of Laurel & Hardy, Charley Chase and The Little Rascals--but they were not known for dramas. Well, starting in the late 1930s, the studio tried their hand at such fare and in some cases did some lovely films--and "Of Mice and Men" is the best example of these new dramas.
As far as the story goes, it's much like the book and play---but with a few changes to meet the tough Production Code. The language was toned down--with swearing removed. Also, the film made a few minor changes in the play--but not many. What you see is essentially the Steinbeck story--and the studio trusted the source material enough to stick with it. They also should be applauded for picking two relative unknowns to star in the film--Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney, Jr..
Overall, the film is a smashing success. The acting is very good, the direction also nice and the film kept me on the edge of my seat. The only negative, and it's very, very, very minor, is that a few of the scenes looked very much like they were filmed on a set. Still, it's one of the best films of the year and had it not come out in 1939 (the same year as "Gone With The Wind", "The Wizard of Oz", "Goodby Mr. Chips", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and many other great films), it might have taken home some Oscars. Well worth seeing and a great example of a film made very well on a relatively small budget.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/08/23
Full Review
Audience Member
First off, no movie will match the classic book. I think i liked the new one a little better just due to being in color and more relevant to our times, but it was still good and perhaps more realistic/better acted. It's a classic tale and highlights many things wrong at that time period-segregation, sexist treatment of women, treatment of workers, treatment of mentally handicapped, etc...just a great tale. The acting was well done. It does read tho like a play or book u had to read for school and I already knew the story, so it didn't rate as high as maybe it should. It was an ugly movie esp the part where the old man's dog got shot wtf?
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/15/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Steinbeck has appeared on my Mt Rushmore of authors at his best and is never going to be far off of it. This adaptation was decent but this is the kind of story that will rarely create the same impact or emotional response on a second reading or viewing.
Side note: Grumpier Old Men is still an all time favorite of mine and one of my most watched films as a child so seeing Burgess Meredith in 1939, who delivers some absolute bangers in GOM, as a much younger man was of special interest to me as well.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/20/23
Full Review
georgan g
Great rendition of an outstanding novel with friendship being the main theme. Money is important as this is taking place during the Great Depression, but loneliness is worse than being poor.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Ken R
Of Mice And Men – And Much In-between
John Steinbeck is up there with the great scribes of any era and this story of an odd but sensitive friendship is out to prove it. Lewis Milestone's direction is both at times stagey and great, and he has a terrific cast to help bring this tale to vivid life - while veteran Master Director of Photography, Norbert Brodine's fluid camera never misses a dramatic visual moment (AKF: Little Man What Now '34 & Kiss Of Death '47). There's much to like about this classic adaption of a fine piece of American literature, even if contemporary viewers might need to remind themselves it's just 9 years after the introduction of sound. The addition of a descriptive score by iconic composer Aaron Copeland, adds an extra dimension to this sweeping drama of struggling itinerant workers - etching out a living during the 1930's oppressive dustbowl. Eight years later, Copeland would again create a score for another Steinbeck work ‘The Red Pony'.
All the fiery characters are there, each tormented in their struggles, taunting each other as if everyone around them is to blame for their tiresome situation. And for Steinbeck's Lennie, as if being mentally challenged isn't enough - he has to co-exist with angst-ridden men and women - each wanting to take out their troubles on someone in easy reach - almost if somehow, to relieve their own gnawing suffering through channels of torment and selfishness. Its grand vintage moviemaking, with a vast array of grand vintage performers, all breathing life into a slice of unrelenting history.
It's difficult to find a quality DVD transfer, with the GMG Media copy offering quite reasonable visuals – but unfortunately, for some reason, it's been transferred with the Sound Auto Leveller on! This could do with correction.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
05/03/21
Full Review
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