Coincidence. We are watching "The Grapes of Wrath" via Netflix. Jane Darwell won an Academy Award (best supporting actress) for her portrayal of Ma Joad. Today is Jane Darwell's birthday. She's 130 (although she hasn't celebrated since 1966).Miss Darwell was born in Palmyra, Missouri, on October 15, 1879. Her filmography at Internet Movie Database lists 201 roles, beginning with "The Capture of Aguinaldo" in 1913 and ending with The Bird Woman in "Mary Poppins" (1964).
As far as "Wrath" goes, it's interesting to look at emigration, hostility and desperation all stirred up with a helping of government on the side. Ma Joad was an exemplary matriarch.