Reviewed by Adam Stephen Kelly
Stars Paul Robeson, Edward Chapman, Simon Lack, Rachel Thomas
Written by Louis Golding, Jack Jones, Roland Pertwee and Pen Tennyson
UK certification PG | UK RRP £15.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 73 minutes | Directed by Pen Tennyson
Pen Tennyson's The Proud Valley, made, set and released at the top of World War Two (where Tennyson in fact lost his life) is by far (under-appreciated by his countrymen) African-American Paul Robeson's finest hour.
An ultra-talented man known for his show-stealing performances not only on-screen, but off-screen as a singer, this bleak Welsh miners' drama from 1940 showcases both of his talents. After Robeson's rather idiotically-named character David Goliath meets a busker on his travels, he quickly garners the attention of the local miners choir with his outstanding voice.
From there, disaster strikes in the mines and access to the coal is blocked, beginning the economic demise for the valley, which leads to Mr. Goliath and his new found miner friends undertaking a suicide mission to regain access to the black gold.
The film contains an excellent performance by Robeson which is underwhelmingly mirrored by his overacting co-star Edward Chapman. A highly enjoyable Ealing Studios' picture with zero racism, showing men — black and white — working arm in arm. A true unique cinematic marvel at the time with its portrayal of a black protagonist.
EXTRAS None.