The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I remember about the rabbits, George.”

Capturing Steinbeck and Americana on the Big Screen
Having been writing novels for 10 years, it made sense that eventually, Hollywood would turn to John Steinbeck’s novels as a source for the silver screen. The first film to make the transition was Of Mice and Men, a novella he originally wrote as a ‘playable novel’ and then as a play itself. To that end, it was already the perfect size for adapting. And to that end, the film works just as well as the story. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on 1940 Academy Award Best Picture nominees with a conversation about Lewis Milestone’s 1939 film Of Mice and Men.

Here’s a hint at what we talk about.
For a relatively simple story, a lot happens and the story works through a variety of topics. How does the story handle a character with an intellectual disability and what does it say about those who take care of others, whether it’s this character or an aging dog? What about race relations? (To that end, it may be less pointed than the book but the film still feels like it handles race better than Gone With The Wind does.) The script changes how Mae – the only female character in the book and the only one with any real presence in the film – fits into the story. Here, we get a sense of the tragedy of this character, which does a lot to paint the gender differences in this place at this time. There’s also the moralistic, religious, and humanistic angles we discuss. 

The casting is fantastic. Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney, Jr. play our two leads and deliver complex, compassionate performances that are the beating heart of this film. Betty Field plays Mae and rounds the character out with resonance and depth that never were on Steinbeck’s pages, even if possibly inferred. The rest of the cast fits impeccably into their roles. Lewis Milestone directs and handles the story effectively and efficiently. And having Aaron Copeland score the film only enhances its feel of Americana.

This film stands strong as a version of this film that’s worth remembering. It’s definitely one of the best films of the year and certainly worthy of its Best Picture nomination. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
Connect With Us:
Shop & Stream:

Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.