Even if MGM plays fast and loose with the Steinbeck novel there is additional blame beyond that to cast and crew in this all star catastrophe.
In the less exclusive area of Monterrey, Tortilla Flat, lives Danny and his lay about com padres. Averse to work they pass the time drinking and self righteously philosophizing about there life style. Enter Delores, a becoming senorita who entrances Danny. Pilon the self appointed leader of the loafers does what he can to make sure it doesn't interfere with the set up. Tragedy threatens but fear not, MGM is not about to let that happen to this lighthearted look at alcoholism and vagrancy in the Latino community.
Oz and Wind director Victor Fleming is certainly off form with his cast of miscast performers sounding and looking ridiculously out of place. Spencer Tracy in Coppertone face as Pilon gives an insulting and embarrassing performance as does Lower East Side John Garfield's Danny. Hedy Lamarr is passionate and impressive but unconvincing as a Portuguese immigrant. Akim Tamiroff does his usual generic immigrant and Frank Morgan is outstanding as dog lover Pirate. Unlike the blustery characters he played in so many films Morgan is both genuine and moving in look and feeling. He is the films only redeeming quality especially the scene with his scruffy band of mutts that takes place in an almost mystical forrest. The rest is all Hollywood arrogance and insensitivity.
In the less exclusive area of Monterrey, Tortilla Flat, lives Danny and his lay about com padres. Averse to work they pass the time drinking and self righteously philosophizing about there life style. Enter Delores, a becoming senorita who entrances Danny. Pilon the self appointed leader of the loafers does what he can to make sure it doesn't interfere with the set up. Tragedy threatens but fear not, MGM is not about to let that happen to this lighthearted look at alcoholism and vagrancy in the Latino community.
Oz and Wind director Victor Fleming is certainly off form with his cast of miscast performers sounding and looking ridiculously out of place. Spencer Tracy in Coppertone face as Pilon gives an insulting and embarrassing performance as does Lower East Side John Garfield's Danny. Hedy Lamarr is passionate and impressive but unconvincing as a Portuguese immigrant. Akim Tamiroff does his usual generic immigrant and Frank Morgan is outstanding as dog lover Pirate. Unlike the blustery characters he played in so many films Morgan is both genuine and moving in look and feeling. He is the films only redeeming quality especially the scene with his scruffy band of mutts that takes place in an almost mystical forrest. The rest is all Hollywood arrogance and insensitivity.