A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945)

Encouraged by her idealistic if luckless father, a bright and imaginative young woman comes of age in a Brooklyn tenement during the early 1900s.

Director:

Elia Kazan

Writers:

Tess Slesinger (screen play), Frank Davis (screen play),

Stars:

Dorothy McGuire, Joan Blondell, James Dunn

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dorothy McGuire	...	Katie Nolan
Joan Blondell	...	Aunt Sissy
James Dunn	...	Johnny Nolan
Lloyd Nolan	...	Officer McShane
James Gleason	...	McGarrity
Ted Donaldson	...	Neeley Nolan
Peggy Ann Garner	...	Francie
Ruth Nelson	...	Miss McDonough
John Alexander	...	Steve Edwards
B.S. Pully	...	Christmas Tree Vendor

Storyline

In Brooklyn circa 1900, the Nolans manage to enjoy life on pennies despite great poverty and Papa's alcoholism. We come to know these people well through big and little troubles: Aunt Sissy's scandalous succession of "husbands"; the removal of the one tree visible from their tenement; and young Francie's desire to transfer to a better school...if irresponsible Papa can get his act together.

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Plot Keywords:

poverty | tenement | struggle | tree | alcoholism | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild depiction of mature plot material

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 August 1945 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Ein Baum wächst in Brooklyn

Filming Locations:

Stage 5, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

129 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gene Tierney was originally cast as Katie Nolan. When Tierney became pregnant, Dorothy McGuire was given the role.

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Goofs

Teacher's name is Miss McDonald not McDonough.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Katie Nolan: This'll be the last of them now, Francie.

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Connections

Spoofed in Daria: A Tree Grows in Lawndale (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Oh! You Beautiful Doll"
(1911) (uncredited)
Music by Nat Ayer
Performed on piano during the opening credits
Played often in the score

User Reviews

Go Forth Into the World and Make Thy Dreams Come True.

A youngster (Peggy Ann Garner) in circa 1900 Brooklyn dreams of a suitable education and ultimately a better life. She and her young brother (Ted Donaldson) experience highs and lows as their lives are followed in a documentary-style format that creates a realistic and compassionate view. Poverty is tough in the area though as mother Dorothy McGuire (in arguably her greatest role) and father James Dunn (in one of the finest performances ever captured on film, he deservedly won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1945) have a hard time making ends meet. McGuire has a difficult time seeing the bright things in their lives, while Dunn (a hopeless alcoholic) treats everyone, including strangers on the street, with love, respect and understanding. Dunn sees greatness in Garner, even when most do not, and does his best to see that her hopes do come true. The title is symbolistic as a large tree in front of the family's low-rent apartment is about to be cut down to their dismay. It also refers to the fact that Garner is growing up and showing maturity way beyond her years; she is literally branching out and letting her leaves flourish. First-time director Elia Kazan arguably does the best work of any film-maker who had never completed a feature previously as he just lets Betty Smith's wonderful novel unfold methodically with a deliberate pace, tone and style. The screenplay yielded Oscar nominations for adapters Frank Davis and Tess Sleringer. Dunn, an actor who had a very pedestrian career, showed just how much of a hidden talent he really was. He is the straw that mixes the entire movie into an American classic. Arguably one of the top 10 films of the 1940s and one of the best features of all time. 5 stars out of 5.