The Green Pastures (1936)

The Green Pastures: Directed by Marc Connelly, William Keighley. With Rex Ingram, Oscar Polk, Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson, Frank H. Wilson. God, heaven, and several Old Testament stories, including the Creation and Noah’s Ark, are described supposedly using the perspective of rural, black Americans.

“Marc Connelly co-directed and penned this adaptation of his play, based on Roark Bradfordu0026#39;s stories of u0026quot;Olu0026#39; Man Adam and His Chillunu0026#39;u0026quot;, about Louisiana Sunday School youngsters imagining a fanciful Heaven of fish fryinu0026#39;, choir singinu0026#39;, and the Lord God Jehovah performing miracles–including the creation of Earth to drain off all the fermentation! u0026quot;De Lawdu0026quot; creates man and woman, but is soon displeased with the way the human race is carrying on, flooding the world after making a pact with poor preacher Noah. All-black variation on Biblical stories might strike some today as a stunt, yet the gloss and professionalism of the Warner Bros. studio is in full evidence. Lots of good humor and intentionally broad strokes make the holy teachings vivid and entertaining–and still their message comes through clearly. u0026quot;De Lawdu0026quot; likes his ten-cents cigars, and a little liquor is OK, but He wants to see the folks in church on the Sabbath and not gambling or messing about! Highly enjoyable movie-making, with a hypnotic edge that touches the viewer and tempers the exaggeration in the acting and writing. *** from ****”