The Grapes of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath (Film Version, 1940)

The Grapes of Wrath was transformed into a film in 1940. Directed by John Ford, the movie version of Steinbeck's famous novel also ranks as Ford's most famous black-and-white creation. The film has been praised for its honest and realistic portrayal of the socio-economic impact of the Great Depression, and for its depiction of the great drought of the mid 1930s. Consistently true to its source, the film closely follows the novel's plot and development. One of the most famous left-leaning films to appear just before America entered World War II, The Grapes of Wrath was nominated for 7 Academy Awards and took home two of these. Jane Darwell won Best Supporting Actress for her role as the archetypal mother figure Ma Joad, and John Ford won the award for Best Director. The film is still remembered as a great work of art.