Message from lsutton

[Anonymous]

If you read my previous post, you know I've been checking out the films through the library. This is one of the few others that is available. Another Pearl S. Buck was in the file but had been stolen/not returned. So, this was the only one I found that was in English. It's 1937 vintage and stars Paul Muni. It epitomizes the Hollywood discrimination against Chinese by having the main characters all portrayed by Caucasians. I watched this immediately after having listened to the unabridged books-on-tape.
The story is about the peasant Chinese farmer and the struggle to survive. He starts with nothing and learns quickly the value of owning and working the land. His wife, a former slave from the House of Wong, works side-by-side with him in the fields even as she gives birth to their children. The importance of sons and devaluing of women (called "slaves") is throughout the book. There is also the difference in crops between north and south (wheat vs rice) described as the family moves south to avoid famine. The story tells about he marauding bandits who terrorize and destroy farms and villages and the uncle who was a member of the gang before moving in as his nephew gained in wealth and prestige. The second wife is brought into the house. Children wed and the transition to the next generation is underway as the story ends. It's doubtful they understand the value in owning the land.
I liked the book and reacquainting myself with it. Most people probably recall it from our early days as students. The movie followed along the main lines with little deviation in the story, but the acting was too stilted for modern audiences, in my opinion. I wouldn't use it in the classroom, but would consider assigning the book as an extra credit book report.[Edit by="lsutton on Sep 11, 2:00:33 PM"][/Edit]