Die Straße der Ölsardinen

a Steinbeck adaptation. and little more. because the atmosphere, the acting, the voice of John Huston, the details, the precise adaptation and the images and music are good pillars for a pure delight. a classic who preserves its special charm and delicate manner to give force to each character. one of most impressive roles of Nick Nolte and beautiful science to translate flavor of text lines not only in images but in a sort of touching metaphors. a magic film and this fact gives to it extraordinary nuances not only as frame of a picture from South or illustration for a great American writer work spirit but for a mirror-film who gives more than status than reader who becomes viewer to its public. a special contribution has Audra Lindley in this memorable embroidery of emotions and Steinbeck credo.

When this film was released, it was under-marketed and for studio-based political reasons, all but buried. Additionally, some critics tried to frame it as a failed attempt at "art-house" cinema. However, this simply is one of the best films ever made of a Steinbeck work, and one of the best films of the 1980s. Poignant, masterfully photographed, funny and sweet, brilliantly acted and directed, it is a must see for anyone who loathes mainstream American film making and yearns for literate cinema. Nolte is at his best, acting with a magnificent range. Winger is perfect as Suzy. The adaptation of Steinbeck's "Sweet Thursday" is spot on. The ensemble acting of the tramps led by one of the greatest character actors of all time, M. Emmett Walsh and Frank McRae and the soundtrack including Doctor John's piano stylings, make this a film of metaphor and wonderful enchantment. If you haven't seen this film, turn off your phone, light a fire, and settle in for the ride of your life, emotionally and artistically.

This is one of my favorite "feel-good" films. Its laid-back pace flows as a Steinbeck novel reads. This tone was set at the get-go by John Huston's narration. Most narrations seem to be used mainly as a means of filling in plot holes left by a lousy script, and end up being a distraction. Huston's enhances the film. Makes you feel like you have the book in front of you. One of those films I could watch again and again.

The one author whose writing I consistently enjoy reading is John Steinbeck.

Cannery Row is my favorite of his stories. I've read my way through one paperback and am now preserving my second. His short novel "Sweet Thursday" is as much of a sequel to Cannery Row as it's possible to be.

The only non-paper version of the tale that I rate at least as highly as the book is the audio version, narrated by Jerry Farden. If the book is a 10, Jerry's reading is a 15. It's difficult to track down, though. If you want a real treat for your ears and your mind, get it.

Back to the movie. It's difficult to appreciate a film when you've read the book beforehand. And vice versa. So when I borrowed the VHS a few years ago, I had plenty of preconceptions, and some eager anticipation. It didn't take long for my preconceptions to shatter the anticipation.

This movie is NOT Cannery Row, but a mix of parts of it and Sweet Thursday.

I could easily be critical of it... Nick Nolte is much too much of a Man, and does not fit my mental image of Ed Ricketts at all. Debra Winger fits, more or less. The mix of two books changed the whole pace of the story, and spoiled it wholesale. There were bright spots, but tainted with those same old preconceptions.

So, don't expect to see a visual equivalent of the books, because it isn't. I don't go along with those who say that it's not worth watching. It's different than the book, and sometimes that can be hard to work through.

But, standing apart from the books, the movie is good. Darn good. It is well worth at least two viewings. And, I think, the more it's viewed, the better it gets.

Even after 23 years I still have the newspaper ad for this movie on my bulletin board. "You don't have to be crazy to live here, but it helps." I love this movie. Of course, it pairs my two favorites, Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. It has the feel of an old time movie, or surreal, as another person commented. The characters are wacky and lovable and the dance scene and the frog hunt are unforgettable. The narration by John Huston is perfect.

Watching Cannery Row is a relaxing, enjoyable way to spend an evening. And I have used Doc's speech to Hazel at least twice -the one about paying for breaking something.

I don't think it is meant to be the retelling of Steinbeck's novel. I read both Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday ....and preferred the movie!!