This superbly realized adaptation of the Cronin novel is not only a fine drama in its own right, but provides some splendid acting opportunities for principals and character players alike. In fact, Allan Jeayes who played minor bits in Korda films of the 30's, here has one of the biggest and best roles of his career as the strong-minded, greedily opportunistic mine owner. It is also great to see Emlyn Williams in a typically villainous part and Margaret Lockwood incredibly effective in a character role as a selfish shrew. Redgrave is much his steadfastly stolid self, but powerfully coming to life in such scenes as his plea to the union executive to become involved in a proposed strike.
Both the novel and the film are critical of private ownership, the case for a National Coal Board being argued strongly. (As it later happened, the coal industry was nationalized, but this did little to alleviate the miners' plight. Indeed some historians argue that it made conditions worse).
Reed has directed with his usual fine eye for detail and love of effective pictorial compositions. In the former aim, he is wonderfully assisted by meticulously fascinating art direction; in the latter by strikingly atmospheric cinematography.
Although its central issues have passed into history, The Stars Look Down has lost little of its initial poignancy and power
Review of The Stars Look Down
