Prisoners of the Land
Prisoners of the Land

Movie spotlight

Prisoners of the Land

1939
Movie
87 min
Spanish

Argentina, 1915. Accompanied by a doctor and his beautiful daughter, Köhner, a ruthless foreman who rules a yerba mate plantation with an iron fist, arrives in the city of Posadas with the purpose of hiring workers.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Ben StoloffGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In this drama, a young man returns to his family's struggling farm after his father's death. He finds himself in conflict with his mother and siblings over the farm's future and the arrival of a drifter who complicates matters. The family must navigate their differing desires and external pressures to find a way forward for their legacy.

Critical Reception

Released during a prolific period for Hollywood, 'Prisoners of the Land' received moderate attention as a B-movie drama. Contemporary reviews often cited its earnest performances and familiar rural melodrama themes, though some found the plot predictable. Audience reception was generally in line with its genre, offering straightforward entertainment.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sincere portrayal of family struggles in a rural setting.

  • Criticized by some for a somewhat formulaic narrative typical of its era.

  • Acknowledged for competent, if unexceptional, performances from its cast.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Prisoners of the Land' are scarce due to its age. When available, feedback often highlights its historical context and simple, relatable family drama elements.

Fun Fact

Margaret Tallichet, who plays one of the family members, later married director John Ford, though this film predates their relationship.

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