HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY

Directed by: John Ford
Written by: Philip Dunne
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O’Hara, Roddy McDowell
Rated: Approved

About the film:
A simple family in a turn of the century Welsh coal-mining community deals with the hardships and the pleasures that come with their way of life. The film is told through the fond memories of Huw Morgan, the youngest of 6 brothers in the Morgan household.

Movie Quote:
“Everything I ever learnt as a small boy came from my father, and I never found anything he ever told me to be wrong or worthless. The simple lessons he taught me are as sharp and clear in my mind as if I had heard them only yesterday.”
Huw Morgan (Irving Pichel) in How Green Was My Valley (1943)

Bible Quote:
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

Commentary:
Young Huw Morgan benefited from having a loving father who lived up to God’s expectations. The best thing a father can do for his child is to teach him how to live in this world.

Before there was a written Bible, God’s plan of redemption and salvation was given to man to be preserved and protected. For centuries, it was passed from generation to generation as fathers instructed their sons on the ways of God.

Even today, the lessons we learn from our parents and grandparents are priceless. They form the foundation of all we are to become. They can build habits and patterns of thought or action which will not only last for our lifetime but for generations as we, in due time, pass them on to our offspring.

We should never underestimate or undervalue the importance of the wisdom and knowledge of those who have lived longer than we. Nor should we forget our responsibility to pass along our knowledge and understanding to those who will follow us.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What lessons have you learned from your parents or grandparents that you intend to pass onto your children?
2. Huw had a number of role models to learn from as he grew into a man. Who are your role models and why?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com