'NO PLACE FOR WOMEN'?: REFRAMING HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY AS A CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD WOMAN'S PICTURE

While How Green Was My Valley has been the subject of much criticism, there has been little effort to explain why it was so popular with contemporary Welsh cinemagoers - including with the female film fans who probably represented the majority of its audience. Although the picture has been dismissed as an essentially masculine one, it had much to offer a female audience, whether it was romance, emotional catharsis, attractive costumes, or its timely discussions of gender roles. Cinemagoing was a vital activity for many women in Wales and it is worth exploring how this defining Welsh film might have become an important and meaningful part of their wartime experience.