Probably John Ford's most sentimental film. It is certainly an emotional one and for a staunch conservative Ford kept faithful to the socialist ideals of the original novel. Viewed today it still resonates around the plight of the poor against the greed of the rich and historically it reveals the devastating affects of the Depression in 30s America. Essentially a road film narrative it tells the story of Oklahoma farming family, the Joads, forced from their tenancy by the advancement of farming technology who head west to California where they hear there's work aplenty picking fruit. Led by the family matriarch, Ma (Jane Darwell), and supported by her eldest son Tom (Henry Fonda), who is on parole from prison, the large family travel in a run down truck laden with all their possessions. Along the way they encounter hardship, bigotry, corruption, death and near starvation but also kindness and hope. It's ultimately a sad story albeit a powerful one and Ford directs with his usual majesty often with his trademark static camera and stark lighting. This is an impactive film and an important one which holds up very well today. It's a significant classic made by one of America's greatest filmmakers and a true masterpiece. Certainly a film all cinephiles should ensure they see.