The Valley of Decision

Thank goodness for libraries!. Our local public library offers literally thousands of movies in both the VHS and DVD formats. My wife and I enjoy the movies of the 1940's and 1950's and each weekend we pick up 3 or 4 films. This past weekend we got a chance to view a film neither one of us had ever heard of. "The Valley of Decision" is a 1945 film starring a very young Gregory Peck as Paul Scott and the lovely Greer Garson as Mary Rafferty. The plot of "The Valley of Decision" revolves around Mary's decision to accept a job as a housekeeper at the home of the owner of the local steel mill. Mary's father Pat (played by Lionel Barrymore) is outraged when he hears the news. Pat Rafferty is a bitter old man was paralyzed as the result of an accident at the mill and blames the Scott family for his misfortune. Despite her fathers strong objections Mary goes to work at the Scott family compound. Shes need the job! The Scott's quickly become quite fond of the sweet and vivacious Mary and begin to treat her as a member of the family. Mary becomes especially close to Mrs. Scott (Gladys Cooper). Upon his return from a business trip overseas young Paul Scott meets Mary and falls head over heels for her. The feeling was mutual. About a year later Paul proposes to Mary. Despite her deep love for Paul she was totally unprepared to handle the situation. Given her social status Mary feels unworthy and believes that it would be totally inappropriate for her to accept his proposal. Rather, she chooses to accept an offer to move to England to serve as a housekeeper for Paul's sister Constance and her husband. Mary leaves town without even saying goodbye to Paul. Paul is crushed and cannot stop thinking about her. Several years later Mary returns to Pittsburgh at the behest of Mr. Scott who has discovered for the first time how his son feels about Mary. It turns out that Mr. Scott has absolutely no objections to such a marriage. So much wasted time! Upon her return there is trouble brewing at the mill. The plant has been closed by a bitter strike and now the company is considering bringing in strikebreakers. Knowing people on both sides, Mary offers to step in as a kind of mediator and it looks for all the world like the matter might be resolved. But events spiral out of control and a bloodbath ensues. It is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions. I found "The Valley of Decision" to be an absolutely captivating film. The writing for this movie is superb and the acting first rate all around. This is a film I would definitely like to see again. Very highly recommended!

Greer Garson picked up one of long string of Oscar nominations for this film (losing to Joan Crawford, of all people, for Mildred Pierce). While I wasn't entirely convinced of the romantic chemistry between Garson and Gregory Peck, I think her nomination was well-deserved for other reasons, including her handling of an Irish accent (Garson was not Irish born, as she claimed through much of her life, but British) and her deft portrayal of a relatively complex character, Mary Rafferty. Garson developed a sort of mini-specialty playing bright, attractive, working-class women, and few other film actresses have pulled off this combination as successfully as she did (Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, and British actresses such as Julie Walters being examples of some who have). Garson also makes the most of what might be called Mary's "fatal flaw"--the high-minded stubbornness that nearly destroys her chance at love. Peck's performance was (unsurprisingly) good too, though I don't consider this one of his best films. To me, Peck always seems more convincing in man-on-a-mission type roles (Atticus Finch, etc.) than in romantic leads. But he does have several moving scenes in which he fights to save his father's steel mill from labor strife and his wastrel siblings. An extra-special treat in this movie is a very young Jessica Tandy, playing Peck's selfish wife, Lucille. Tandy brings poignancy and raw emotional power to the small role. A worthwhile MGM classic.

I found this movie as it was just rolling opening credits, it was near 4am and i had work the next day! Dont you know i gostuck on this adventure until i saw the final credits passing by?? Gregory Peck plays the smart, proper brother, mixed in with a family of various types of characters, he plays his role great right to the very end! One thing i dont understand is how he (peck) ends up marrying someone who in the beginning he made it clear he did not want to marry. This goes against peck's character traits in the movie to do a "oh well i guess i will marry you then ..." type of move, he appeared to have way more class than that. But it all works out perfectly in the end and i was thrilled with the ending. This may throw my review under a truck, but i think this may be the very first black and white film i haev ever watched, and liked! The story was just beautiful, and it was layed out so nicely. I have come to buy this movie so i can watch it again with my grandmother, i just know she will love it!

Terrific movie. Whenever you get the likes of Greer Garson and Gregory Peck with plenty of other Hollywood stars with a story such as the one in The Valley of Decision you will not be disappointed.

MGM version of a Marcia Davenport novel is made great enetertainment largely because of Greer Garson in the leading role. She was a fine and very watchable actresses with a lovely speaking voice and a warm and compelling charisma.

Have been looking to find this DVD at a reasonable price and was delighted to see the listing on Amazon. It has already been watched several times and is of the very old vintage of great drama presented by great directors and actors. Rivetting story but still current in this century. My middle aged children were quite fascinated also. Good purchase.

Was happy to get this old classic...viewed it the night it arrived.

excellent condition