The Valley of Decision 1945
"The Book That Thrilled Millions!"
Tay Garnett's sweeping drama *The Valley of Decision* (1945) transports viewers to 19th-century Pittsburgh, where the clanging of steel mills sets the stage for a poignant tale of class divide and forbidden love.
Director: Tay Garnett
Cast
Greer Garson
Mary Rafferty
Gregory Peck
Paul Scott
Donald Crisp
William Scott
Lionel Barrymore
Pat Rafferty
Preston Foster
Jim Brennan
Marsha Hunt
Constance Scott
Gladys Cooper
Clarissa Scott
Reginald Owen
McCready
Dan Duryea
William Scott Jr.
Jessica Tandy
Louise Kane
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Valley of Decision (1945) about?
Mary Rafferty, a young woman from a working-class steel mill family, takes a job as a maid for the wealthy Scott family—only to find herself caught between her loyalty to her roots and her growing attraction to Paul Scott, the family's heir. Their romance unfolds against the backdrop of a bitter labor strike that threatens to upend the city.
Who directed The Valley of Decision?
The film was directed by Tay Garnett, known for his work in classic dramas and adventure films.
Who stars in The Valley of Decision?
The lead roles are played by Greer Garson as Mary Rafferty and Gregory Peck as Paul Scott, with Donald Crisp, Lionel Barrymore, and Preston Foster rounding out the impressive cast.
Is The Valley of Decision (1945) worth watching?
While not rated on IMDb, *The Valley of Decision* is a well-crafted blend of romance and social drama, perfect for fans of classic Hollywood storytelling. Its themes of class conflict and moral dilemmas resonate just as strongly today, making it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate period films with substance.
How long is The Valley of Decision?
The movie runs for 119 minutes, offering a satisfying runtime for its sweeping narrative.
🎥 Trailer
About The Valley of Decision (1945) — Classic Romance and Social Drama in 19th-Century Pittsburgh
Tay Garnett's sweeping drama *The Valley of Decision* (1945) transports viewers to 19th-century Pittsburgh, where the clanging of steel mills sets the stage for a poignant tale of class divide and forbidden love. Greer Garson stars as Mary Rafferty, a young woman from a struggling mill-worker family who defies expectations by taking a position as a maid in the home of the powerful Scott family—industrialists who control the very factories her loved ones toil in. When she captures the attention of Paul Scott (Gregory Peck), the heir to the empire, their growing bond is tested by societal barriers and a bitter labor strike that threatens to tear the city apart. The film masterfully blends romance with gritty social commentary, capturing the tension between privilege and hardship.
Against the backdrop of America's industrial boom, *The Valley of Decision* explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the cost of upward mobility. Lionel Barrymore and Donald Crisp lend gravitas to the supporting cast, grounding the story in its era's harsh realities. With its rich visuals and emotional depth, the movie remains a compelling watch for fans of classic dramas that don't shy away from moral ambiguity or raw human drama.
