Tortilla Flat (MGM 1942, Spencer Tracy, John Garfield)

Published

6 years ago

September 14, 2018

In Tortilla Flat Spencer Tracy and John Garfield play two friends just trying to get by in Steinbeck’s world of Monterey, California’s canneries and fishermen.

Tracy and Akim Tamiroff move in when Garfield inherits two houses, seeming to bring him bad luck as Garfield fights with the beautiful cannery worker he adores (Lamarr) and one of his houses burns down. Tracy gets ideas when Frank Morgan shows up with his dog and a small fortune. Whimsical humor and realistically portrayed, colorful characters make this an overlooked gem.

Sheldon Leonard, who plays Tito Ralph, later became the highly successful producer of such TV series as The Andy Griffith Show (1960-68), The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-66) and I Spy (1965-68).

Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor: Frank Morgan.

Director: Victor Fleming
Producer: Sam Zimbalist
Original Story: John Steinbeck
Director of Photography: Karl Freund
Editor: James E. Newcom
Composer: Franz Waxman
Screenwriters: Benjamin Glazer, John Lee Mahin

production details
USA | MGM | 105 minutes | 1942

cast
John Garfield as Daniel Alvarez
Spencer Tracy as Pilon
Hedy Lamarr as Dolores Ramirez
John Qualen as Jose Maria Corcoran
Frank Morgan as le pirate
Allen Jenkins as Portagee Joe
Henry O’Neill as Père Juan Ramon
Akim Tamiroff as Pablo
Sheldon Leonard as Tito Ralph
Donald Meek as Paul D. Cummings
Connie Gilchrist as Mme Torrelli

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Alastair James

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.