Italian filmmaker Ermanno Olmis acute ability to draw naturalistic performances from nonprofessional actors is the principal attraction of Tree of the Wooden Clogs. Covering a period of twelve months, the film divides its time between three peasant families, all of whom work on the estate of an all-but-absentee landlord. Special emphasis is given the interrelationships between the various family members and their neighbors. Tree of the Wooden Clogs was honored with the Golden Palm award at the Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide