the british film resource
    
 
the british film resourceThe Stars Look Down / The Proud Valley - Conflict and Unity
the british film resourceAuthor:Anton Duchesne 
 
 
Introduction Introduction
Family Conflict Family Conflict
Family Unity Family Unity
Physical / Mental Unity Physical / Mental Unity
Dysfunctional Families Dysfunctional Families
Relationships Relationships
Community Unity Community Unity
Community Conflict Community Conflict
Class Conflict Class Conflict
The Coal Industry The Coal Industry
 
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Relationships
Also in The Stars Look Down there is Davey's relationship with Jenny. This is a marriage riddled with conflict. Conflicting aspirations were apparent before they were married. Davey's class commitment clashes with Jenny's view that she was born 'to be a lady'. Jenny is completely unsupportive of her husband, and has no time for his family or the community. This conflict becomes physical when Davey hits her. In the end Jenny is adulterous and the marriage breaks down completely.

This state of affairs contrasts sharply with the relationship between Emlyn and Gwen in The Proud Valley. This relationship is as united as Davey and Jenny's is divided. Even the threat of financial hardship is not enough to deter Gwen who states 'it's good enough for me'. The happiness of their union is implied the last time that we see them, standing together happily outside the reopened pit.

 
Community Unity
 
 
 
  A History of British Film   Early British Comedy   Early Hitchcock   Introduction to Humphrey Jennings   Humphrey Jennings and Third Cinema.   The Stars Look Down / The Proud Valley - Conflict and Unity   The Renaissance of the 1980s   Film On Four


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