MovieChat Forums > The Corn Is Green (1945) Discussion > How did the tramp's mother not know what...

How did the tramp's mother not know what was going on?


What--the girl disappears for almost a year and the mother has no clue? Then she shows up and tells her she's made her a grandmother and she's elated, momentarily. I think the script writers cut out some details to save time.

"You may as well go to perdition in ermine; you're sure to come back in rags." Katharine Hepburn

reply

Actually, Mkeydude, you must've missed the part when Bette Davis character is informed that "Miss Waddy went back to "service" but there has been "talk about town"... In other words, she went back to the household that she is being a servant girl for and townspeople have noticed that she is "with child". Her mother knew this but had no contact with her so could not get a confirmation neither.

Also, in the first third of the movie, her mother clearly states that she never liked her even though she was her own child. "...from the moment I saw her, I said to myself, No!..."

Not one of the better known Bette Davis movies, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and this was my first time!

Cheers!
LadyDi

reply

Thanks. Incidentally the movie was on U-Verse today 5-27-15 U-Verse. I've seen it before and won't watch it all the way through but John Dall co-stars and I've always been curious about his career plus I don't remember him being in this movie. Got an Academy nomination--not sure if he won. Thanks again.

You may as well go to perdition in ermine; you're sure to come back in rags. Katharine Hepburn

reply

Ah, we must have seen it at time this morning! It was also my first time seeing it and I was completely engaged throughout the movie.

John Dall's scene with Davis when he returns from Oxford was transforming(!) and the singing throughout the movie is so beautiful I would love to learn them myself.

reply

@MkeyDude and PeaceRocks,

Both John Dall and Joan Lorring(Miss Watty) were nominated for their supporting roles.

Winners in 1946 were James Dunn from A Tree grows in Brooklyn and Anne Revere from National Velvet!

Young Miss Watty did such a fine job that quite a few times I wanted to backhand slap her just like Betty Davis did, but only ONCE! That's how engaged I was!

There is another thread on here I found quite interesting...saying that the Bette Davis character was completely selfish and let John Dall very much astray by the offer to adopt his upcoming child from that HEATHEN Miss Watty. LOL In other words his duty really was as he initially stated, to marry Miss Watty and rear their child.

My perception was entirely opposite. I thought this was Miss Moffat's(Bette Davis) final and grand sacrifice. To ensure he would "get that push over the wall" and complete his education at Oxford in order for him to achieve his ultimate greatness and give back to the world whatever it was his destiny to give. You can see his mind working it all, weighing it all out to finally conclude that she was right.

By this time, I had long forgotten about backhanding Miss Watty and the biggest lump in my throat had me with tears in my eyes, watching this transforming conversation between Morgan Evans and Miss Moffat.

I DVR'd it and will watch again. The singing of all those old Welsh songs I also thought was just wonderful enough to view yet another time, no doubt.

Cheers!
LadyDi

reply

By this time, I had long forgotten about backhanding Miss Watty and the biggest lump in my throat had me with tears in my eyes, watching this transforming conversation between Morgan Evans and Miss Moffat.


Yes, "transformation" was the only word that came to mind when I wrote my post. That is no small achievement for an actor, but I could also feel the satisfaction Miss Moffat had while watching Morgan Evans describe his experience at Oxford.

The movie is quite a tribute to teachers, and parents too, in that respect. The singing made me teary as well; all those faces in the classroom of varying ages, with looks of joy and hope while they shared the experience of a beloved song together.

Very beautiful and moving film. 

reply

One might hope that the father will be involved to a great extent in the child's life, perhaps even regaining custody after graduation?

reply