Watch The Proud Valley

The Proud Valley, released in 1940, is a remarkable British film. Directed by Pen Tennyson, the movie tells the story of a Welsh mining community in a small village in South Wales called Cwm Rhondda. The coal mines are the primary source of income for the village, and everyone's lives revolve around the pit. However, the community is struggling, and the miners are unhappy due to the long working hours and dangerous working conditions.

Enter Paul Robeson, playing the role of David Goliath, an African American sailor who happens to find himself stranded in the village. David is a proud and intelligent man with a strong singing voice, but he is jobless and penniless. The villagers, wary of strangers, are initially suspicious of him, but David quickly proves himself to be an asset to the community.

David discovers that there is a local male voice choir which has been defunct for a while, and he begins to teach them the American spirituals that he knows so well. The choir comprises miners who work in the coal pits, and singing reinvigorates the community. Music and song become a source of hope and comfort for the miners and their families.

Edward Chapman plays the role of Ivor Williams, the mine manager who is struggling to run the pit efficiently in the face of falling profits. He is also a traditionalist, who does not approve of David's influence on the community. Chapman's performance is excellent, and he is utterly convincing as the somewhat stern and conservative mine manager.

Simon Lack, meanwhile, is played as the young Tommy, a miner's son who is smitten with David's singing and is eager to learn more about music. Tommy's character is central to the film, and he becomes the embodiment of the power of music to transform lives.

Despite the tough working conditions, the film has many moments of humor and warmth. The interaction between the miners and David provides much of the humor in the film, and Robeson brings a real dignity and gravitas to his role. As the film progresses, the choir gains more and more recognition, and there are surreal scenes of the miners singing underground, surrounded by coal dust.

The Proud Valley also touches on issues of racism and discrimination. David's character is both an outsider and a hero, and his position as a black man in a predominantly white village is not overlooked. Robeson was an outspoken advocate of civil rights, and The Proud Valley is a powerful example of his beliefs. However, the movie is not preachy or overly moralistic, and it deals sensitively with the subject.

The movie's cinematography is another of its great strengths, with some breathtaking shots of the Welsh countryside and the mines. The musical direction is also superb, and the soundtrack features some of Robeson's most famous songs.

Overall, The Proud Valley is a moving and uplifting film that deals with themes that are still relevant today. The powerful performances from Robeson, Chapman, and Lack, together with Tennyson's thoughtful direction, create a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences. It is a beautifully crafted film that deftly balances humor, pathos, and social commentary, making it a must-see for anyone interested in British film history.