Is Deep Valley Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Deep Valley is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Deep Valley Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1947, Deep Valley emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A shy California farm girl falls head-over-heels in love with Barry Burnett, a fugitive from a chain gang building a road through the wilderness. Unlike standard genre fare, Deep Valley attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Deep Valley features a noteworthy lineup led by Ida Lupino . Supported by the likes of Dane Clark and Wayne Morris , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Deep Valley (1947) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Deep Valley Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Deep Valley is a Drama, Romance, Crime, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Deep Valley Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Deep Valley attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Deep Valley reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Deep Valley Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Deep Valley incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, romance, crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Deep Valley adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Deep Valley?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Deep Valley
- Ida Lupino – Libby Saul
- Dane Clark – Barry Burnette
- Wayne Morris – Jeff Barker
- Fay Bainter – Ellie Saul
- Henry Hull – Cliff Saul
Top Highlights
Ida LupinoLibby Saul
Dane ClarkBarry Burnette
Wayne MorrisJeff Barker
Fay BainterEllie Saul
Henry HullCliff Saul
Willard RobertsonSheriff Akers
John AlvinConvict
Leonard BremenConvict
Ross FordConvict
Bob LowellConvict
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Deep Valley is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Deep Valley stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1947 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deep Valley movie hit or flop?
Deep Valley has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Deep Valley worth watching?
Deep Valley is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Deep Valley online?
Deep Valley may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Deep Valley Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Deep Valley
Ain't no valley low enough - Ain't no river wide enough. Deep Valley is directed by Jean Negulesco and adapted to screenplay by Stephen Morehouse Avery and Salka Viertel from the novel written by Dan Totheroh. It stars Ida Lupino, Dane Clark and Wayne Morris. Music is by Max Steiner and cinematography by Ted McCord. Libby Saul (Lupino) lives in a run down farm house with her unfeeling and estranged parents. Having developed a stammer due to her stmyied life, her only solace comes from walking in the woods with her dog. Then one day she happens upon a convict work party and takes interest in one of them, Barry Burnette (Clark). He's free too... Off the bat you have to be warned that this is very slow going for the first two thirds - almost painfully so. So with the story hardly being compelling in the first instance, or credible of course, it's on shaky ground and becomes tough to recommend with confidence. However, there's plenty to enjoy as it plods along and the final third is well worth waiting for. The whole look of the piece is an atmospheric delight, McCord bringing some monochrome magic. The inside of the cottage is oppressive, director and cinematographer neatly marrying the visuals up to how Libby feels. Other scenes are pure visual treats, such as out in the barn as the sunlight shines through gaps in the wood to reveal a ghostly mist, or subtle shots like river ripples reflected onto Libby's face, there's enough tech skills on show to keep you interested. Add in yet another superb performance from Lupino and you should want to stay all the way here. Narratively it comes down to finding love under trying circumstance, and that of the big decisions we face in life. Libby is faced with a choice, the bad boy or safe boy conundrum rearing its potent head. It all builds to a finale of substance that tantalises the heart and head in equal measure. No great film by any stretch of the imagination, the tech credits better than the actual play itself, but it warrants respect and worth a viewing for sure. 6/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
