Set in a small mining village in Wales in 1895, a school teacher (Bette Davis) is determined to bring education to the village despite the initial resentment of the locals. When she discovers a young miner (John Dall) in his teens has a superior mind, she takes it upon herself to educate him to reach his full potential. Based on the play by Emlyn Williams and directed by Irving Rapper (NOW VOYAGER). One of my least favorite film genres is "the teacher who inspired me" movie. I'm Bette Davis's number one fan and a Davis completist but I've been avoiding this movie for decades. So I figured it's about time and bit the bullet. My fears were confirmed although it's not as bad as it could have been. Thank heavens for Davis (playing older than she is), who brings a tough unsentimental strength to her school mistress. Even when the movie threatens to sink into a maudlin morass, she holds back the mush. A good performance but not among her best. The supporting cast is good and they include John Dall, Mildred Dunnock, Nigel Bruce, Rhys Williams and in Oscar nominated performance, Joan Lorring as the devious minx who almost ruins everything.
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