Tortilla Flat (Remastered)

Having recently read the Steinbeck book that forms the basis for Victor Fleming’s movie Tortilla Flat, one can see both the differences. For the time, 1942 it is relatively true to the book. I was not that thrilled with the book and had more of the same kinds of problems with the movie.First the problem of stereotyping. The movie makes it clear that the focus of the movies is a group of paisanos, who may or may not be mostly Hispanic. This band is a sub group unto themselves and as such cannot be stigmatized as a take-down of all Mexicans. It is definite that not all of the inhabitants of Tortilla Flat are as shiftless, amoral and wine centric as this group. The larger community is poor and poorly educated but willingly works and are inclined to be generous towards the small band of mostly inoffensive paisanos. For the sake of accuracy, it is never said that any of the paisanos are pure any one race. They are Hispanic, Italian and almost anything but African Americans. They are the poor people from the poor part of Monterey, California.This group is lead by Star Spencer Tracey as Pilon. His portrayal reminded me of a poor man’s Ulysses. Full of tricks and schemes but clearly the team leader. In the name of simplification, he is more self-centered and less reliable than his page-based name sake. So much so that it becomes too easy to spot that his goals are always self-serving. In so far as the movie is humorous it is in watching the rest of the men fall for his manipulations.Glued onto the plot is the required romance between the fiery Hedy Lamarr: Dolores Sweets Ramirez and the handsome, if vague John Garfield: Danny. Likely it is this part that most fans of the book find most afoul of the original.There were times when I could not watch Tortilla Flat. The characters drive for wine and satisfaction with their scrounging made them unsympathetic. By the end there was just enough show of loyalty and willingness to be better that one could see the human under the rough exterior.This is light viewing. In terms of words, violence or nudity it is family friendly. It is perhaps more worthy of a rental than a buy. By a huge margin I prefer the later books (Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday) and the movie (Cannery Row). In these later works Steinbeck and David Ward had a better grasp on the humor to be found on the edges of the economy and the less socially presentable.

Fairly accurate representation of the classic book. Spencer Tracy plays the part of Pilon magnificently. Must see if like classics.

I enjoyed this film very much in spite of its simplicity. It takes place in central California in a community of Mexican workers although it's major characters, such as Danny and Pilon, are bumbs who avoid working at all costs and seem content with their poverty. Things change when Danny inherits from his uncle two houses and allows his friends to live with him in one of the houses. Besides that, Danny begins to think about aspirations for life when he meets a beautiful Mexican neighbor, Delores, played by the stunningly beautiful Hedi Lamar. When he buys Delores a vacuum cleaner, Pilon feels that his existence as a bumb is threatened and makes his moves to cause grievances between Danny and Delores. There is also another subplot: a man named Pirate who sells wood to collect money so that he can buy a candle for St. Francis of Asis, who healed one of his dogs. Pirate's story is quite moving and full of piety. Frank Morgan plays this role quite well.This is a story about redemption for its major players. It has a happy ending, but it does move one's feelings without being a tear jerker.Although this DVD reproduction is not like the usual DVD collections of other Warner editions, the film is well restored. However, it does not have special features, commentaries, or subtitles.

This is a must see classic. And I mean must see about 10 times. Every word is pure philosophy from these simple people. People who make do, who are HAPPY with what they have. Which is next to nothing. This film teaches you something everytime you watch it. Such fine performances from fine actors. Every scene is a treasure. So, yes. I like this movie.

This is an excellent Hollywood adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, with Victor Fleming directing Spencer Tracy, John Garfield, Hedy Lamarr, and, Frank Morgan who was nominated for, Best Supporting Actor, for his performance as the dog lover which I guarantee you won't forget!This is a story about the Paisanos of Monterey, told through three friends, Pilon, Danny, and the Pirate, all who live a carefree life of drinking and parties until Danny's life takes a surprising turn when he inherits two houses making him "A man of property". Danny soon meets a cannery worker named "Sweets", played to the hilt by the historically beautiful Hedy Lamarr. The tension between Garfield and Lamarr is at its best as they both fight the attraction they feel for each other. This little known gem is definately worth adding to a classics collection.

Not as good as the book but still enjoyable.

Love this movie! The doggies are the stars!

It has just the right amount of humor & seriousness

There is so much reverence, largely deserved, for Spencer Tracy, that I think people forget that he hand a deft comedic hand as well (see also "Libelled Lady"). In this film, that deft touch gets a full outing. Tracy portrays "Pilon," the nominal head of a group of Chicanos whose chief preoccupation is getting enough wine to see them through the night & to having some place to sleep off the wine's effects. Pilon, however, is generally 2 or 3 steps ahead of everyone around him, especially Danny, the group's youngest member, played very convincingly by John Garfield. When Danny inherits 2 houses, Pilon sees limitless possibilities to exploit, from assuring himself digs rent free to a supply of chicken, provided by one of Danny's new neighbours hens. Tracy plays Pilon as someone whose eye is always on the main chance. Pay attention to Pilon whenever he talks & note the smirk & the expression in his eyes. Tracy was in fine form here & his performance is a joy to watch.Another joy to watch is Hedy Lamarr. Often lauded as one of the most, if not the single most, beautiful women in world, here Lamarr manages to capture the spunky sexuality of her chapter. She knows Danny, especially if he stays around Pilon, will likely never amount to anything, but she's attracted to him nonetheless.As for Garfield, he imbues Danny with the innocence & naiveté that allows Pilon to manipulate him like a puppet, a situation that eventually leads to both disaster & redemption.Tortilla Flat is good little movie that is entertaining & a real pleasure to watch. However, given that it was made in 1942, its characters reflect every racial stereotype then prevalent about Chicanos in particular & poor people in general. Even a cursory glance at the cast shows that all of the major role are being played by actors who are not Chicano, a fact that would, today, cause this movie to be pilloried & condemned on social media. I won't try to justify or ameliorate the stereotypes on display except to say that this was 1942 & Hollywood was only reflecting the racial bias prevalent at the time. That doesn't make it right, but it is what it is.

Fine adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel Tortilla Flat is the story of a man who becomes the heir to two small properties, but to his friends it is more important to have money or booze. He then meets a young woman who he works with, and falls in love which doesn't sit well with his friends. Good performances by John Garfield, Spencer Tracy and Frank Morgan.

Love it! A little dated acting and plot.

Movie was excellent but very disappointing that it was defective. A real shame because according to the cover, it had been remastered. I cannot understand how it could have glitches.

A+