Backstory: 'How Green Was My Valley' (2000)

Summary and Context
The documentary "Backstory: 'How Green Was My Valley'" from 2000 becomes part of the television series "Backstory" produced by the American Film Institute (AFI) which uncovers fascinating background information of popular timeless films. This episode centers on the critically well-known film, "How Green Was My Valley" directed by John Ford in 1941.

Pre-Production Details
The documentary begins by taking us through the pre-production phase of "How Green Was My Valley". We learn that at first, it was William Wyler who was supposed to direct the movie, however after a series of arguments in between Wyler and producer Zanuck over particular casting options, Wyler left the project. John Ford took control of the reins, making it his pet task.

The Setting and the Cast
The film was embeded in a coal mining village in South Wales and showcased the struggles and happiness of a Welsh mining household. The documentary talks about how the production team chose to produce a synthetic Welsh town in Malibu, California instead of shooting on location in Wales due to logistical reasons, specifically the chaos and limitations of World War II. The artificial set was well designed to appear like a real coal mining village of the period.

The casting included Hollywood A-listers like Maureen O'Hara, Walter Pidgeon, and a young Roddy McDowall who left an enduring impression as Huw, the youngest in the family. The cast's performances were lauded, producing a moving portrayal of a household dealing with both individual and expert struggles.

Crucial Reception and Accolades
The documentary likewise clarifies the remarkable critical reception that "How Green Was My Valley" gotten upon its release. In spite of contending against popular films like "Citizen Kane" and "Sergeant York", it clinched the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1941. Furthermore, Ford clinched his third Best Director award for his masterful storytelling and special cinematographic skills.

Cultural Impact and Conclusion
According to the documentary, the movie's cultural effect was rather considerable. It dealt with problems of labor discontent, business greed, neighborhood, and the human spirit. In spite of being an adaptation from an unique by Richard Llewellyn, the movie has given that surpassed the book in popularity and recognition, becoming one of the most prominent films in Hollywood history.

"Backstory: 'How Green Was My Valley'" supplies an extensive assessment of the film's production, providing viewers a behind-the-scenes check out among John Ford's the majority of commonly acclaimed works. It highlights the difficulties faced throughout the filming, the decisions made by the production team, the cast's efficiency, and the cultural impact that followed upon its release. The documentary deepens our gratitude of the movie, enabling us to view "How Green Was My Valley" from a more informed viewpoint.

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