Poetic Film Review: The Sun Shines Bright (1953)

In Hollywood's hallowed halls,
Where dreams are spun and legends fall,
John Ford found second chances rare,
Yet seized them with his master's care.

His film, Judge Priest, a comedy bright,
In 1934, charmed the night,
Yet time has dimmed its star,
A western giant's work, not quite a czar.

In 1953, he sought to mend,
The Sun Shines Bright, his story to amend,
Irvin S. Cobb's tales of old Kentucky's charm,
A world of prejudice, where hearts can still disarm.

William Pittman Priest, a judge so true,
Drinks his fill and loves his crew,
A Confederate vet with heart of gold,
In Fairfield, Kentucky, where stories unfold.

But shadows loom, as rivalries ignite,
Lynchings threatened, in the dead of night,
A young black boy accused of a heinous crime,
U.S. Grant Woodford's fate, a tragic rhyme.

Ford's vision, bold and brave,
A Republic Pictures tale to save,
A lynching scene, a daring stand,
A testament to art's power, hand in hand.

Yet limitations bound, the MPAA's grip,
A suffocating code, a censor's slip,
Sensitive topics shrouded, veiled and discreet,
The Sun Shines Bright, with messages to replete.

In 1990, Ford's vision freed,
The uncut version, finally decreed,
A masterpiece, now in the light,
A testament to Ford's power and might.

A tale of divisions, yet hope unfurls,
A symbol of unity, as the story swirls,
Small-town America's heart, with all its strife,
John Ford's masterpiece, a cinematic life.

The Sun Shines Bright, a gem so rare,
A testament to Ford's artistry and care,
A powerful film, with flaws and all,
A masterpiece that stands tall.

(Note: The review in its original form can be read here.)

Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo

Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e

BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7