The Good Earth (film)
- Paul Muni: Wang Lung
- Walter Connolly: Wang Lung's uncle
- Charley Grapewin: old father
- Jessie Ralph: Cuckoo
- Soo Yong: aunt
- Keye Luke: elder son
- Roland Lui: younger son
- Suzanna Kim: little fool
- Ching Wah Lee Ching
- Harold Huber: Cousin
- Olaf Hytten: grain traders Lui
- William Law: Usher
- Mary Wong: Little Bride
The Good Earth (Original Title: The Good Earth ) is an American film directed by Sidney Franklin from 1937 as literary model served on the novel by Pearl S. Buck. .
Action
The film tells the story of a poor Chinese farmer Wang Lung, who lived together with his wife O- Lan, a former slave, hunger and poverty, but also economic and social advancement. The film plot is largely that of the novel.
For details, see: The Good Earth (novel).
Background, production and theatrical release
Irving Thalberg, production head of MGM, which had already produced a number of films in the Far Eastern milieu, began planning for The Good Earth soon after the book was published (1931 ), which was awarded the 1932 Pulitzer Prize. The image of China had gradually improved in the United States since the founding of the Republic ( 1912), and since the beginning of the Sino-Japanese War (1937 ), who had already announced in the early 1930s, the country enjoyed the special sympathy of American public. Historically film marked the beginning of The Good Earth a loving, differentiated gaze on China and the Chinese people, which has always been the subject of racist embossed, stereotypical representations in Hollywood until then.
The two main roles of the film were, the former Hollywood practices accordingly, set with white actors. Born in Austria in 1932 Paul Muni was famous for his starring roles in Scarface and hunt for James A.. As Muni was bound by contract to Warner Bros., MGM had to return for his commitment Clark Gable and Leslie Howard to the competing companies "borrow". Luise Rainer, who had emigrated after the Nazi accession to the throne of Germany, won in 1936 with a role in the MGM film The Great Ziegfeld an Oscar.
Just as the author of the original book, Pearl S. Buck, also the production manager Irving Thalberg was initially located on a cast with Chinese protagonists. This plan was soon abandoned. Anna May Wong, the most distinguished Chinese -born actress in the country had hoped in vain for an offer for the role of O- Lan, however, was to test shots were only for the invited the role of concubine Lotus which ultimately with Tilly Losch, a native Austrian, was occupied. Whether Thalberg Wong this role did not want to give, or whether it has itself rejected, is not clear. The Korean-American actor Philip Ahn as a highly talented Asian actors would be available for the male lead; Ahn had to but unnamed satisfied with the supporting role of captain of the revolutionary army. Also profiled Japanese actor Sessue Hayakawa, who had already been involved in many American films, was not considered. Responsibility for ensuring that the main roles are played by white actors, most likely triggered the institution responsible for the casting production assistant Albert Lewin be, who was known Asian actor " atmospheres " to only supplement, but not to use for important roles.
As a director of the 44 -year-old Sidney Franklin was selected, who arranged for the MGM already successful melodramas like Smilin 'Through (1932 ) and The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1934 ) and the company 1940 ( with Ninotchka ) and 1943 ( with Mrs. Miniver ) should bring two Oscars for best film. The 1929 emigrated from Germany cinematographer Karl Freund had in his home major movies like The Last Man (1924 ) and Metropolis (1927 ) and Hollywood, among others Lady of the Camellias (1936, with Greta Garbo ) rotated.
Filming for The Good Earth took place in Chatsworth (California ) and the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles. Use also found in China resulting exterior shots that were made under the direction of George W. Hill for a very different film, but was then not needed. After trick specialists had first tried unsuccessfully to produce authentic -looking images from a plague of locusts, finally the opportunity arose to Cedar City to make (Utah ) recordings from a real swarm of locusts.
The film was premiered on January 29, 1937 in Los Angeles. The hire took over the MGM. Commercially and artistically he was considered a major success. The distribution of the video version later took over the company MGM / UA Home Entertainment.
Reviews
" An ethically and aesthetically impressive realized, unpretentious family drama. The film opens up a glimpse into the mentality of Asians, but obtained by the occupation of the main roles with European actors a certain artificiality. "
" Impressive movie epic about the fate of a peasant family in China before the communist takeover. "
Awards
The Good Earth won at the Oscars 1938 awards for best actress ( Luise Rainer ) and Best Cinematography ( Karl Freund ). The film itself, director Sidney Franklin and editor Basil Wrangell received a nomination.