Famed French director Jean Renoir came up with a true slice of Americana in this drama, in which he also helped to write the screenplay, which chronicles a year in the life of a tenant-farmer and his family. Zachary Sco... more »tt abandoned his usual smooth characterizations to portray the beleaguered man of the land, coping with trying to survive against the problems of farming and a troublesome neighbor. Excellent photography and top performances by all involved make this a special film not to be missed by any classic film buff. Based on George Sessions Perry's novel, Hold Autumn in Your Hand, The Southerner was Renoir's favorite among his American films. The film, though not a huge boxoffice success for United Artists, garnered much critical acclaim and also won the Venice Film Festival's Best Picture Award. Bonus Features: Bonus Two-Reeler Comedy "Baby Daze" with Edgar Kennedy, Scene Selection. Actor Bios. Specs: DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 91 minutes; B&W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1945.« less
"Renoir's "The Southerner" captures the gripping poverty of southern share croppers. It has a good story line, beautiful black and white cinematography, and fine acting. In fact my only objection is that the actors did not have much of a southern accent and looked "too pretty" at times for their environment. This is a film that cries out for restoration, as has been done with the wonderful Criterion Collection DVD of "Grand Illusion". As it is, I rated this 4 stars because of the 2 to 3 star poor condition of the print used...black lines, jumping images at times and poor soundtrack. Well, you can't have everything and would still recommend seeing this movie. Together with "Grapes of Wrath" and "Salt of the Earth", it draws a powerful portrait of the power of a family and human kindness in a struggle against grinding poverty."
TOUCHING
Fernando Silva | Santiago de Chile. | 08/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A sincere film, real, poignant, believable, and excellently acted all around. It tells the story of the hardships lived by a poor family in the country. For sure in my top ten list! Unforgettable!"
Family Farm in the 30s
Carol Collins | Urbana, IL | 01/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An older black & white film about a southern family in the early 30s when success or failure depended on the elements (rain, drought) and the good will of neighbors. It's a film about people and they don't make that kind of film anymore. Nobody commits adultery, love scenes that didn't embarrass me (I'm not a Peeping Tom) there is no blood and guts (although it is threatened at one point) and the people work hard and are loyal, care about each other, and the ending is believable...not happy ever after...but more like it was...and is. Scott acts one of the few parts he has had who is sympathetic. Betty Field was a great actress, as was Beulah Bondi. J. Carrol Naish played every ethnicity except his own (Irish) and this time he had no accent. Scott was a also very accomplished actor. Altogether an inspired cast."
A love poem to his wife
McTeague | San Francisco | 11/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Newly married, Jean made a film about a happy marriage. Who can forget the beautiful soundtrack and the moving images of Sam and Nona working and sleeping side by side, working and sleeping as the summer goes by. I like to think that this film was Jean Renoir's love poem to his wife. With this film Jean begins a renewal that will culminate in the least cynical and most sincere of his films, The River."
Classic film by Jean Renoir The Southerner.
D. M. Guerra | Felbridge, Surrey | 02/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A beautifully shot and acted classic film with two of the most professional and gifted stars Hollywood ever produced ( and vastly underrated in my opinion).Zachary Scott, usually cast in "lounge Lizard" and slimy no good but extremely handsome parts, was cast against type in this film and the result was a masterpiece in the craft of inspired acting. Buy it and watch it over and over again!!"