Review of God's Little Acre

In 1933 while America endured the Great Depression, Erskine Caldwell published his controversial novel " God's Little Acre. " Condemmed, reviled and even Banned, the book continued to sell, but not without consequences. While the author was arrested and jailed, his novel went onto the silver screen and revealed the painful secrets many wanted to keep secret. By today's social standards, the book and the forbidden Black and White scenes in the movie are mild and considered hardly exciting. Yet, in the Baptist south and most of the religious, conservative towns, these scandalous scenes often lead to dangerous censorship. Viewed by Modern audiences, little in the story is shocking. Erskine's book tell of Ty Ty Walden (Robert Ryan), a poor George farmer who inherited his father's farm and a dubious story of buried gold hidden somewhere on the farm. Together with his sons Buck (Jack Lord) and Shaw (Vic Marrow) they spend years seeking the treasure. Ty Ty's daughters Griselda (Tina Louise), Darlin' Jill and Rosamund (Helen Westcott) have their own problems but handle them accordingly. Griselda is aware of how much her former boyfriend Billy Thompson (Aldo Ray) desires her and encourages him. Jill is an exciting and playful scamp who plays to whomever is around, earning her a sinful reputation, especially with Plato Swint (Buddy Hackett), the Sheriff to be. Michael Landon is surprising as 'The Albino' Dave Dawson. The story is simple enough, but it's scandalous nature created a aura of sex and debauchery, that insured a Classic in movie circles. A good vehicle for Robert Ryan and it's Nice to see him as a good guy for once. ****