Watch The Green Promise

The Green Promise, a 1949 drama film directed by William D. Russell, is a heartwarming story that follows the life of Susan Matthews (Marguerite Chapman), a determined and ambitious girl whose father, Mr. Matthews (Walter Brennan), is a farmer struggling to make ends meet. The movie tells the story of the family's struggles, their bond, and Susan's journey towards achieving her goals.

The film opens by introducing us to the Matthews family, living on their farm in the rural countryside. The father, Mr. Matthews, is a hardworking farmer who has raised his four children alone following the death of his wife many years before. His eldest daughter, Susan, is a bright and ambitious young woman who dreams of becoming a doctor someday.

Susan has always been a great help to her father on the farm, but her true passion lies in learning and studying. When Susan learns that the school district has decided to close their rural school, she is devastated. This news puts a wrench in Susan's dreams, as she will now have to walk to a faraway town each day to attend the nearest school, leaving her less time to tend to her studies and household chores.

However, the closure of the school also provides an opportunity for Mr. Matthews to sell his land to a wealthy businessman, Mr. Crabtree (Robert Paige), who is interested in expanding his business. Although Susan is delighted at the prospect of selling their land, her father is hesitant and conflicted about selling the farm, which has been a part of the family for decades.

The story unfolds as Susan and Mr. Crabtree work towards securing the land, while Mr. Matthews, struggling with his conscience, fears selling his property and worries about what would happen to his children and their future. This conflict between the father and daughter becomes the crux of the story as they try to find a solution that would be both financially sustainable yet morally just.

As the negotiations continue, the story takes an unexpected turn when the town doctor, Dr. Robert Selby (Dennis Hoey), offers to pay for Susan's education through medical school. This remarkable act of generosity lights a spark of hope in Susan's father, motivating him to take a stand and fight for the continuation of the small school in his community.

As the story progresses, the characters take on their unique journeys, which intermingle and overlap to form a beautifully woven narrative. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and hope in the face of adversity, and of the tight-knit family that emerges from the aftermath of a bitter conflict.

The movie is a timeless classic, which highlights the themes of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of family values. The performances by the cast members are poignant and touching, making the audience feel invested in the story and the characters. Marguerite Chapman's role as Susan Matthews is especially noteworthy as she portrays a young woman with grit, determination, and unwavering spirit in the face of daunting challenges.

The Green Promise's cinematography and production design capture a rural countryside magnificently, creating a sense of nostalgia for a time long since past. It is a portrait of a bygone era, where family values and the simplicity of life held so much importance.

In conclusion, The Green Promise is a heartwarming and emotionally moving film that depicts the essence of human relationships beautifully. It is a classic tale that remains relevant to this day, an inspiration to generations past and present. The movie is a must-watch for anyone looking for a story that tugs at the heartstrings and celebrates the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the love for family.

The Green Promise is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.