However, this simply is one of the best films ever made of a Steinbeck work, and one of the best films of the 1980s. Additionally, some critics tried to frame it as a failed attempt at 'art-house' cinema. When this film was released, it was under-marketed and for studio-based political reasons, all but buried. Enjoy.and listen to the narration of John Huston - another element that is right on the mark !!! It must be rediscovered so that audiences can delight in it for ages to come. This David Ward film should be elevated to a classic status. Classic moments include the jitterbug between Nolte and Winger that temporarily interrupts their insults the infamous frog hunt Doc's special treat at the diner. the humor is handled with a touch of wonderful madness by Nick Nolte, Debra Winger, and a gleeful bunch of farceurs playing giddy prostitutes and aging drop-outs who live along the desolate Cannary Row.

But CANNERY ROW is a total delight - replete with an extraordinary capture of the Steinbeck dialogue, a magnificent mise en scene of coastal California, a delicious group of characters captured to perfection, exquisite photography, and a soundtrack that united Bach with a melodic and playful score that deserved soundtrack status. Unfortunately, Steinbeck goes in and out of favor, and, at the moment, he is not lionized. The film unites a couple of Steinbeck works that also became the book for Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Pipe Dream'. There were a few newspapers, here and there, that named CANNERY ROW as one of the Best of the Year, and they were the few that truly appreciated what is one of the finest capturing of Steinbeck ever on the screen.

John steinbeck cannery row review