Tortilla Flat

US (1942): Romance/Drama

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 (Hedy 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). Victor Fleming directs this MGM cast that also includes John Qualen, Donald Meek, Connie Gilchrist, Allen Jenkins and Henry O'Neill. (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Tortilla Flat on TCM.com.

1 nomination