God's Little Acre 1958 II Anthony Mann II Robert Ryan, Aldo Ray, Buddy Hackett, Jack Lord, Vic Morow

God's Little Acre is a 1958 American comedy-drama film of Erskine Caldwell's 1933 novel of the same name. It was directed by Anthony Mann and shot in black and white by cinematographer Ernest Haller. Although the film was not released until August 1958, its production schedule is indicated as September 11 to late October 1957.
The film was as controversial as the novel, although unlike its source material it was not subjected to prosecution for obscenity. Although both the book and film were laced throughout with racy innuendo calling into question the issue of marital fidelity, the film adaptation may have been the more alarming because it portrayed a popular uprising, or workers' insurrection, in the Southern United States by laid-off millworkers trying to gain control of the factory equipment on which their jobs depended. When the film was first released, audiences under 18 years of age were prohibited from viewing what were perceived to be numerous sexy scenes throughout, although in recent decades the film's scandalous reputation has diminished.
Philip Yordan was officially given credit for the screenplay, but Ben Maddow claimed he wrote it. Since Maddow was blacklisted for his radical, and suspected but unproven Communist activities during the 1950s Red Scare, working without credit was the only way he could successfully submit screenplays. After decades' neglect, the film was restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archive under the supervision of master restorer Robert Gitt. As part of Gitt's restoration, Yordan's name was removed and replaced by Maddow's in the main title roll, although it doesn't appear on most current releases.

[@lesawilkes5673]

born and raised in Florida, i'm drawn to these old movies placed in the south... i never tire of the tennessee williams style. they're, gritty, grimy, and goofy... you can't say we didn't GRAB hold of life with both hands! i especially crave the black and white originals... we Thrived!

[@mauricezadkovick7412]

Ginger was not the surprise, the morning this movie was screened at 6 a.m. on Star Classics. The thing is, the film was shot on a huge old house 400 mts. away from my home in Kansas (Missouri), East Santo Domingo. And I knew a few days later, that Sargeant York lived on the next street. And The Wizard of Oz was shot just 2.5 KM away from the place I live.

[@TheGuillermo519]

Tina Louise is one of those actors who you can tell everything they're thinking and feeling just looking at her facial expressions, she doesn't need words. It's a quirky movie but I think Tina gives a great performance and it was her first film too.

[@davidtouchstone4871]

Very enjoyable movie, I thought. I don't say that about many but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Watched it about 5 times--so far! This was one of Tina Louise's first acting jobs and I thought she was great. Robert Ryan was great, Jack Lord--all of them.

[@johngillon6969]

i love her so much in this film, unfortunately i remember some real stinkers also, perhaps the duo of she and aldo together that made it such a wonderful performance. Aldo did some stinking films, but i loved him in the naked and the dead. I guess Aldo just reminds me of myself.

[@henrybrowne7248]

This movie changed the way I think about Tina Louise forEVer . . . Wonderful performance by Robert Ryan too. See him, for some contrast, in the dark Odds Against Tomorrow[with Harry Belafonte] made just two years later. I disagree with those who say the acting wasn't that good--it was good for its time. No mention whatsoever of this movie in the 1959 oscars . . I'm gonna go check 1958; movie was actually filmed in 1957 . . Y'all come on in and watch this here movie, y'hear?

[@amarreder6241]

Rate 72%/6.5 Comedy Romance

[@christinemartin63]

Strange movie ... with some mighty strange casting. (I liked Ford's Tobacco Road better.)

[@wendybutler1681]

Back when women were chattel. And where some still are.

[@johngillon6969]

Oh you are one of them that are just looking for a fight.

[@jinnyroesch7799]

This is the dumbest movie on the planet. Omgosh

[@thehmspinaforeclub4960]

Yeah, I can see how you might say that. It's supposed to have been an important movie classic for its time. But the acting at times seems rather forced and cringe worthy. It was Michael Landon's breakout movie. He probably wouldn't have had his television career if not for his film role as the Elbino. The other actors, especially Ryan who is no comedian, seem to be trying to be funny. People who are funny tend to be funny naturally. Ryan is not naturally funny. This is the only movie I have ever seen him cast in that vain. Trying to be funny is never funny. Since the 1960s I have tried to view this movie from start to finish, starting when it was first aired on television, I have never succeeded once. Eventually I would always change the channel. Too bad. It had a very good cast otherwise.

[@wendybutler1681]

And then things get weird in an uncomfortable way.

[@davidtouchstone4871]

@@thehmspinaforeclub4960 To Pinafore: That was Michael Landon?! Wow! Double wow! I had no earthly idea!

[@henrybrowne7248]

@@davidtouchstone4871 I was surprised too, and thought it was hilarious. I grew up watching Landon on Bonanza. So funny to see him as a cringing albino following a water stick . . .