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The Grapes of Wrath

Play trailer 2:21 Poster for The Grapes of Wrath 1940 2h 9m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.
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The Grapes of Wrath

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Critics Consensus

A potent drama that is as socially important today as when it was made, The Grapes of Wrath is affecting, moving, and deservedly considered an American classic.

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Critics Reviews

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Otis Ferguson The New Republic 08/29/2012
Movies will probably go on improving and broadening themselves; but in any event, The Grapes of Wrath is the most mature picture story that has ever been made, in feeling, in purpose, and in the use of the medium. Go to Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/28/2010
5/5
Classic John Steinbeck adaptation is still powerful. Go to Full Review Chuck Bowen Slant Magazine 11/22/2010
4/4
The Grapes of Wrath is flawed, but it captures that shiver of panic that grips anyone for whom the money for the next meal is unknown. Go to Full Review Adrian Turner Radio Times 07/22/2024
5/5
In this magnificent adaptation of John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel, Henry Fonda plays the farmer who leads his family from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promised land of California. Go to Full Review Dilys Powell Sunday Times (UK) 08/09/2022
The Grapes of Wrath is not just a film, not just a tragedy, not just a social indictment even; it is an experience; it is history unfolding like a terrible fungus; it is America. Go to Full Review Gil Perez Cine-Mundial 07/08/2022
Everyone who can will surely see this, as it will be the most talked about spectacle of the season, everywhere. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mike W @MikeW269 Sep 23 It is an awesome movie every part being as relevant today as it was 85 years ago. Hard to watch given the brutal reality faced by Sooners of the past. I have watched parts of it over the years but sat down from beginning to end tonight, and am better for it. John Carridine was excellent. He often does not get enough credit. I highly recommend it. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jun 9 Success in 2 hours and 9 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more William B Feb 5 Very good movie. Recommended for anyone going through a hard time. See more Ron W 01/24/2025 Other than the characteristic "overacting" so common in early films, this movie is basically perfect. The story rings as true today as when it was written. Beautiful story of human struggle. See more Andrew O 12/05/2024 This is one of the greatest American movies ever made. When I was younger Tom Joad was an inspiration, but as an adult the Ma character really is captivating. Watching her go from burning her last belongs to being the glue that holds the family together is an amazing transition. Her fear and loss are replaced by strength. The book has little hope, but the movie adaptation has more hope than most movies you will ever see. Ma tells a story about how men and women face adversity differently, but how "the people" are the ones who make this nation and the dreams of all a reality. See more David S 11/28/2024 Yes -John Ford delivers a tremendous portrait here of the great depression. Mesmerizing in many ways - stirs up real emotions. See more Read all reviews
The Grapes of Wrath

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Cast & Crew

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John Ford

Director

Henry Fonda

Tom Joad

Jane Darwell

Ma Joad

John Carradine

Casy

Charley Grapewin

Grandpa

Dorris Bowdon

Rosasharn

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The Grapes of Wrath

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The Grapes of Wrath

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Movie Info

Synopsis The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.
Director
John Ford
Producer
Darryl F Zanuck
Screenwriter
Nunnally Johnson
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
20th Century Fox
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 15, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Runtime
2h 9m
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