Comments

Steinbeck was frustrated by the treatment of the working class American in the 1930s. Ford responds through Ma—the strongest Joad—by showing the determination of their people. Ma believes that in the hierarchy of society, they’re “the people” and that they’ll never stop coming. They are the backbone of the economy, and despite the ravishing effects of the Dust Bowl, the strongest Americans steadfast drive to succeed remains unchanged. John Ford had the unique challenge of translating a well-known, quintessential American novel to film. In doing so, he had to decide what parts of the novel best told the story, and which parts needed to be eliminated. It seems that he was going to receive criticism regardless of what he chose to keep in the movie. I believe that he created a complementary masterpiece to the novel. Fords interpretation is still scrutinized by many today, myself included, for altering some important scenes toward the end of the movie. However, I believe Ford compensated for these changes by creating sentimental dialogue by Ma Joad and dramatic action for Tom.