"THE GRAPES OF WRATH"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 15 June 1940, Page 4

"THE GRAPES OF WRATH"

To develop completely the human, every-day warmth and power of the most discussed novel of modern literature. was the primary concern of all those connected with Darryl F. Zanuck’s production of “The Grapes of Wrath,” John Steinbeck’s sensational best-seller which was acclaimed at its world premiere run at New York’s Rialto Theatre and which 20th Cen-tury-Fox will release in New Zealand in the near future.

As soon as Associate Producer Nunnally Johnson had completed his screen play of the Steinbeck story, all the resources of the studios were put at the disposal of Academy Award Winner John Ford who directed the picture. From the outset Director Ford impressed all his players from Henry Fonda who plays the part of Tom Joad down to the lowliest extra, with the-essential simplicity and power of Steinbeck’s widely acclaimed novel. Ford forbid the use of make-up on the set. He also used the candid camera technique in shooting scenes. * * * * “My Dear Children,” the play John Barrymore is appearing in, is very indifferent stage and screen material. But because of all the publicity it has received through John’s romantic escapades the price for the screen rights is now £32,000.