The Corn Is Green (1945)

In the year 1895, a small, rustic coal mining village in Glansarno, Wales, is startled by the arrival of an unconventional newcomer from London. She is not the expected Lieutenant-Colonel Moffatt, but the fiercely independent, financially stable, and highly-educated spinster, Lilly Cristobel Moffatt, M.A. Her presence, a breath of fresh air in the ordinary landscape, stirs curiosity among the locals. Upon discovering the crippling poverty and illiteracy that plagues the village children, many of whom are sent to toil in the mines as early as twelve to support their families, Miss Moffatt resolves to utilize her wealth for change. With a heart full of determination, she plans to establish a school, even offering to compensate the families for the lost wages of their young laborers. This radical move initially meets resistance, but she manages to recruit the local educated duo, Mr. Jones and Miss Ronberry, to help her run the school, appealing to their own discontentment with life in Glansarno. However, her noble mission isn't without its adversaries. Mine officials, led by the self-serving local squire Mr. Trevorby, view this educational endeavor as a threat to their workforce and deem education as unnecessary for the boys. This opposition nearly breaks Miss Moffatt's resolve until she stumbles upon a short essay penned by one of her older students, Morgan Evans. Despite the essay's technical flaws, his deep and introspective thoughts shine through, convincing her of his potential to truly benefit from education. As Morgan's academic journey unfolds, it's fraught with challenges. His internal struggle to reconcile his newfound learning with the looming destiny of returning to the mines creates friction with Miss Moffatt, who envisions a brighter future for him in higher education. However, their shared dream of Morgan's academic success and the survival of the school face a formidable threat in the form of Bessie Watty, the scheming daughter of Miss Moffatt's reformed Cockney housekeeper from London. "The Corn is Green" is a stirring tale of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of education, set against the backdrop of a humble Welsh village, where hope and hardship intertwine in the quest for a better future.

The Corn Is Green is a drama movie featuring Bette Davis.

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