One of the filmwatchers on this topic noted that this film had great black and white photography, the best, just after "Citizen Kane": not surprising, the same cinematographer, Gregg Toland, did both these films as well as Ford's "The Grapes of Wrath". Toland is THE specialist in deep-focus black and white camera work - deep focus meaning that every object is clear between the viewer and the back of the picture.
shareHe was a genius. If you get the chance, look up the June 19, 2006 article in the New Yorker. It's called "The Cameraman," by Hilton Als. Good six page rundown of his importance in cinematography. I was watching this movie on TCM earlier this morning and was really blown away by the photographic compositions.
shareIts a fine film, but to me the very best thing about it is the cinematography by Toland. Gorgeous images that add so much to the dramatic impact. I've seen this film, "The Grapes of Wrath", "Citizen Kane", "The Little Foxes" and "The Best Years of Our Lives" - all masterfully shot. It was a great loss that he died so young, in the late 40's.
share