Of Mice and Men is a cinematic masterpiece. It's a timeless classic that never seems to date and gets better with every viewing.
The casting is flawless. Burgess Meredith as George and Lon Chaney Jr. as the tragic Lenny, in the roles of their careers, are simply outstanding. Roman Bohnan as the old timer Candy is unforgettable. Veteran "B" western performer Bob Steele, who was never given the credit he was due, is excellent as the hot-headed Curley. Betty Field as Curley's bored wife and Charles Bickford as Slim, and Noah Beery Jr. round out the excellent cast.
They are many memorable scenes expertly directed by Lewis Milestone. Among them:
- the opening pre-credit sequence where George and Lennie are running from the law as the result of another of Lennie's innocent transgretions;
- the scene where Candy's aged dog is taken out to be shot. The old man realizes that this has to be done but it breaks his heart because he realizes that soon he will be of no use to anyone either. Witness the tension among the other characters as they all await the fatal shot.
- the bullying of Lennie by Curley;
- the possibility of the George, Lenny and Candy realizing their life-long dreams by purchasing "their own place";
- the final confrontation between George and Lenny.
It's a pity that this picture came out in 1939, a banner year for Hollywood (Gone With the Wind, Gunga Din, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington etc.). It never received the recognition it deserved. It didn't have any major stars yet it's as good today as it was back then.
You'll go a long way before you will see as excellent an adaptation of a literary classic, as you will with John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
The casting is flawless. Burgess Meredith as George and Lon Chaney Jr. as the tragic Lenny, in the roles of their careers, are simply outstanding. Roman Bohnan as the old timer Candy is unforgettable. Veteran "B" western performer Bob Steele, who was never given the credit he was due, is excellent as the hot-headed Curley. Betty Field as Curley's bored wife and Charles Bickford as Slim, and Noah Beery Jr. round out the excellent cast.
They are many memorable scenes expertly directed by Lewis Milestone. Among them:
- the opening pre-credit sequence where George and Lennie are running from the law as the result of another of Lennie's innocent transgretions;
- the scene where Candy's aged dog is taken out to be shot. The old man realizes that this has to be done but it breaks his heart because he realizes that soon he will be of no use to anyone either. Witness the tension among the other characters as they all await the fatal shot.
- the bullying of Lennie by Curley;
- the possibility of the George, Lenny and Candy realizing their life-long dreams by purchasing "their own place";
- the final confrontation between George and Lenny.
It's a pity that this picture came out in 1939, a banner year for Hollywood (Gone With the Wind, Gunga Din, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington etc.). It never received the recognition it deserved. It didn't have any major stars yet it's as good today as it was back then.
You'll go a long way before you will see as excellent an adaptation of a literary classic, as you will with John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.