This somewhat stagey film version of the Emlyn Williams play is still something of a master-class of screen acting. When the movie was about to be made, the studio would not accept the middle-aged and renowned actress who originated the role and insisted on casting Bette Davis who at only 37 had to be made up as older and less attractive. However you can "dowdy-up" Davis as much as you like, but her acting chops shine through and make her beautiful.
It's the story of a spinster schoolteacher who comes to a local Welsh mining village to bring some sort of education to those whose chances had been somewhat limited previously, including some of the town's oldies and many of the young and rowdy miners. Amongst these Davis finds one potentially brilliant student, played by John Dall in his first screen role, and tutors him and encourages him to try for a scholarship to Oxford -- where the "toffs" go. The whole village becomes intoxicated by his chances for success, as something that will bring some achievement to all of them. The one person who couldn't care less is played by Joan Lorring as the sluttish housemaid who willfully seduces Dall during one of his periods of doubt, gets pregnant, and blackmails Davis to keep the secret from her prize pupil.
Oddly enough both Dall and Lorring received Oscar nods for best supporting actor and actress, though neither won and neither made much further impact in films, although Dall was pretty believable in "Rope" soon after. No fuss was made of Davis' great acting skills, and she is more than ably supported by Nigel Bruce as the not-too-bright town squire and a very young Mildred Dunnock as a teaching assistant. Katharine Hepburn reprised the role for a TV version of the play in 1979 and that's not too shabby a display of charismatic acting either.
Something else that makes this movie memorable to me is its terrific use of classic Welsh folk songs as they underline the life of the village.
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