Natalie Wood's performance in “The Green Promise” made it clear she was a star. Culture critic Emma Fraser looks at this hidden gem, as well as its place in Hollywood lore and its supposed connection to her death.
in "Rebel Without a Cause." Wood had made 20 moves by this point, but this role earned the 16-year-old her first Oscar nomination in the supporting category. Jo Van Fleet won for "East of Eden," directed by Elia Kazan, the famous director who would go on to mark another significant stage in Wood’s career.
The message that the sinful man is someone who ignores progress feels written explicitly for the ignorant Mr. Matthews , who won’t take any advice regarding his farm. Wood plays the youngest of four children, and Susan Matthews is on the receiving end of her father’s wrath when she asks if she can raise lambs for their wool. The oldest daughter, Deborah , is constantly met with roadblocks from her father and takes on the role of mother as Mrs. Matthews is not on the scene.