Details
Movie Description
Based on the classic novel by John Steinbeck, this ensemble dramedy tells the affectionate story of a group of misfits whose loyalties are tested by monetary and romantic rivalries. Spencer Tracy plays Pilon, the head of a motley crew in search of their next free meal. When buddy Danny (John Garfield) comes into an inheritance, Pilon is tempted to steal his money while Danny desires to marry Sweets Ramirez (Hedy Lamarr), whom Pilon is sweet upon himself. Both Pilon and Danny must make sacrifices to preserve their friendship and vagabond way of life.
Synopsis
Northern California provides the backdrop for this freewheeling John Steinbeck tale about a gaggle of reckless-but-lovable hobos and their seriocomic attempts at conformity. These derelicts of primarily Spanish lineage eat, drink, filch, wander, and sleep outdoors. Led by the philosophically errant Pilon (Spencer Tracy), they are unified by a mutual disdain for work. Pilon's sidekick, Danny (John Garfield), disrupts their bohemian subculture when he inherits two houses, plans to wed Dolores "Sweets" Ramirez (Hedy Lamarr), and otherwise threatens to cast a ray of respectability and security on these misfits. Pilon, who is after the same girl, considers stealing Danny's money until Danny becomes injured in a drunken brawl, forcing the two to reevaluate their lives--and their friendship. Garfield, Lamarr, and Tracy all turn in darling performances as director Victor Fleming (GONE WITH THE WIND, THE WIZARD OF OZ) guides these lovable characters through rivalries and envy to marriage and happiness.
Film Notes
The stage version of this 1935 John Steinbeck novella appeared on Broadway in 1937 but was a commercial failure. That same year, Paramount executives considered shooting TORTILLA FLAT as a musical but scrapped the idea.
TORTILLA FLAT is one of five films that Spencer Tracy and Victor Fleming made together. The other four are A GUY NAMED JOE, CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS, TEST PILOT, and DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE.
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