La valle del destino

I sat in awe of this film one chilly October evening in 2001 and I remember the thought going through my mind, "how is it that I've never seen this before?" I adore Greer Garson and her performance as Mary Raffery took my breath away and Gregory Peck has always been at the top of my list of talented and handsome actors. This movie is full of anxiety ridden romance and dramatic acting at its best. With a superb cast and a wonderful story line, I'd recommend this movie to anyone that feels they're able to truly recognize greatness.

Okay, I'll admit that this movie is a bit heavy-handed at times. Lionel Barrymore's performance as Mary's father is not a subtle performance and the movie is a tad predictable at times. However, despite these minor shortcomings, this is a marvelous romantic flick from Hollywood's heyday and is a great early Gregory Peck vehicle.

Mary (Greer Garson) is a lovely poor lass who goes to work as a housekeeper in the home of the wealthy family (the Scotts) who own the local steel mill. This is problematic, as Mary's father was seriously injured in the mill and bears an intense hatred of the Scotts. It becomes even more problematic as, over time, handsome Paul Scott (Peck) falls for her and asks for her hand in marriage! Yikes! However, this is only about half-way through the movie--what happens next you'll need to find out yourself.

Great performances (not just from the two leads but from capable supporting actors such as Donald Crisp and Dan Duryea), direction, sets and writing make this one of my personal favorites. Watch it!

Very interesting and entertaining poor-girl meets rich-boy tale of romance between a wealthy Pittsburgh steel mill owner(Gregory Peck) and a beautiful housemaid(Greer Garson). This circa 1870 drama is directed by Tay Garnett and based on a Marcia Davenport novel. A star studded cast makes this a prominent classic. Joining Peck and Garson are Donald Crisp, Lionel Barrymore, Dan Duryea, Marsha Hunt, Marshall Thompson, Preston Foster, Jessica Tandy and Reginald Owen. This movie is deserving of your time. Wholesome and enjoyable watching.

When one thinks of Greer Garson, movies like "Mrs. Miniver" or "Pride and Prejudice" come to mind. And when one thinks of Gregory Peck, movies like "To Kill a Mockingbird" or "Gentleman's Agreement" come to mind. However, both of these terrific actors are fantastic in "The Valley of Decision," which I consider to be one of the forgotten classics of the 1940's. It was deservingly nominated for two Academy Awards, including a Best Actress nomination for Greer Garson. I believe she gives one of her most touching, heartfelt performances as Mary Rafferty. This movie is a must-see for all movie fans. I give it an enthusiastic 10 out of 10!

Greer Garson, with a terrific Irish brogue, earned still another Oscar nomination. With the exception of 1940, Miss Garson was nominated for best actress from 1939-1945, a Hollywood record.

The film depicts the old problem of wealth vs. poverty. A pretty and pert Greer goes to work for the family of Gregory Peck. They are lovely, unpretentious people. Her dad, played by the irascible Lionel Barrymore, is a hot head if ever there were. His hot-headedness will ultimately lead to his downfall as the film goes on.

We see wealth and snobbery associated with it, especially by Peck's wife, brilliantly played by a young Jessica Tandy. In a change of pace, veteran movie mother, Gladys Cooper, comes off as a wonderfully, kind sort of matriarch married to the indomitable Donald Crisp.

The ending is great. All I can say is that fairness triumphs over snobbery. Class distinctions just seem to go away.