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After (re)viewing nearly 80 of Bette Davis' performances in 20th century films (here and elsewhere), I am delighted to offer a critique of this film because it is one of Davis' best & least discussed. This is not the fiery Bette Davis who's become well known for her expert acting ability to dominate almost every other performance; or the articulate, fast-talking, trend-setting, woman of angst; or the transformer from frumpy spinster to a gorgeous stunner who becomes deliciously seductive. Instead, in "The Corn..." we have an heir to a home in the Welsh countryside where & when boys 12yo & over were 'owned' by landed gentry who'd send them to work in their dank coal mines. They can hardly speak English, write, spell, or do math. Given that Miss Moffat (Davis' character) has a Masters degree, she's incensed that children are forced laborers for pennies & aren't given any education. The socio-political struggles are very well combined with satirical humor as Miss Moffat is determined to start & head a school, especially for them. At one point, Miss Moffat has to charm the 'nappers' off of a landed gentry squire in order to make up for previously verbally decapitating him. She only feigns being a man's inferior who can't possibly manage without his masterful help in order to land him as a sponsor for one of her gifted students. The story is mainly about the priceless mentor-student relationship between Miss Moffat & this gifted student. It's so intriguing a story that I find it difficult to say which character inspires the other the most: mentor or student? Aside: Katharine Hepburn also starred in a version of this film. I prefer this version by far~Read full review
Hard to find rare film. One of Davis’ greatest performances. It was a good price too. Very engaging.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned