Notorious for getting the best pic oscar over Citizen Kane. I think that's a stigma unfairly held against it by some classic film fans.
It does creep very near to maudlin but is redeemed by tremendous direction, superb cinematography and willingness make a strong social statement by showing the dark side of coalmining and how the formerly beautiful valley was wrecked by greed and the ruthless pursuit of profit.
Besides all that it's got Maureen O'Hara at her most radiant and makes a good companion piece to The Quiet Man.
I'm biased, I love John Ford, the beauty of his films makes up for his penchant for the sentimental.