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Bright Road (1953) More at IMDbPro »

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15 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-
A very underrated and overlooked Gem, 9 May 2005
7/10
Author: ecapital46 from Maplewood, NJ

It is no coincidence this movie was written by a seasoned School Teacher. What this award-winning story essentially does - in the unusual context of a Hollywood movie - is to present an "outside-the-box" approach to dealing with the disciplinary and behavioral problems of a young male school student. By tapping into and encouraging the talents and interests of young rambunctious C.T., school teacher Ms. Richards (played by Dorothy Dandridge), is able to show how superficially negative classroom behavior can be evaluated and rechanneled to achieve positive results. Where the typical reaction to the student by school administrators would have been to issue non-rehabilitory disciplinary action or suspension, the outside-the-box approach results in a "win-win" solution for all involved. Not a bad lesson for our overcrowded and dysfunctional school and judical systems to learn some 50 years later as they both still routinely devour the C.T.'s of the world without a care to the horrendous cost-benefit results of their actions.

Harry Belafonte (in his first film role) also stars as the supportive school Principal. In a poignant scene beautifully worked into the story, he premieres one of his original compositions, "Suzanne."

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10 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
Innocent and enjoyable movie. Great actors., 10 September 2001
10/10
Author: RANDERAVEN

I really enjoyed this movie. It included a few well known stars as Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte and also Stymie Beards little brother Rene. Well put together for the time. Positive movie for the whole family.

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9 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
The teacher, 24 May 2006
7/10
Author: jotix100 from New York

"Bright Road" is a film that Hollywood decided to present with an almost all black cast, something that was not done often prior to the fifties and the arrival of such stars as Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and the man that would make it all possible for other performers of color: Sidney Poitier! The film is based on a story by a real teacher and Gerald Mayer, the son of Louis B. Mayer, the famous head of MGM, directed with a light touch. Gerald Mayer, who had been romantically linked to the star of the film, used the right approach for this movie.

The story is simple, and yet, it speaks volumes of what a good teacher can do to inspire the young people in her charge. Jane Richards is such a person. She sees the good bottled inside C.T. Young, the rebellious poor boy that, deep inside, is a wonderful young who has had no luck with other teachers in the school, who have made him repeat two years and haven't really seen the potential in him.

Dorothy Dandridge makes a sweet, yet firm Jane Richards. She was a star that could do anything, as proved by her other films, most notably in "Carmen Jones". She was a beautiful presence in this film, who with her positive attitude changes and inspires her students. Harry Belafonte is seen as the Principal in his screen debut. Of course, the film star was Ms. Dandridge, and he had limited chances in which to show how good he was. Philip Hepburn played C.T. Young with conviction for such a small child.

"Bright Road" is a charming film thanks to Ms. Dandridge and the direction of Mr. Mayer.

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8 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
Great Movie, 5 January 2005
8/10
Author: princecharmin107 from United States

I just seen this movie and although this can not compare to the dynamic duo performance of Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte performance in Carmen Jones, this was indeed a great family film with a powerful message. What is most important is that this movie showcases black actor and actress that are educated and didn't talk with nonsense like actors Stephen Fitchit and the ignorant Amos and Andy and Beulah Show. Dorothy and Harry really stood out in this movie, but we all know what she is remembered for.This movie dealt with real situations, even though it seems a little watered down at times , this movie is truly special and should receive a lot more recognition.This movie should be on everyone's to watch list.

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Quietly Wonderful, 24 May 2006
10/10
Author: movingpicturegal from Los Angeles

Dorothy Dandridge as a young teacher, Miss Richards, on her first year of teaching and the relationship she has with a student named C.T. C.T. is from a large, poor family, he's slightly troubled, won't study, arrives late his first day, and just doesn't care about school - yet he is kind, bright, and always seems to have a smile. Now in the fourth grade, he has spent most of his school years flunking and spending two years in each grade. Miss Richards tries to help him and meantime has a small flirtation (yeah, really quite small) with the hunky, guitar-playing, school principal (Harry Belafonte). C.T. has a soft spot in his own heart for his pretty little schoolmate, Tanya, and the two have a sweet little romance with walks home from school hand in hand.

Well, this film is really a sort of hidden little jewel - how'd I manage to miss it all these years?! They also manage to fit in a few singing spots for Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge, who gives a very sensitive portrayal of the new teacher (with interesting voice-overs of her inner voice speaking to herself). She also looks quite lovely in plain make-up and clothing. A special and different film.

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
A very beautiful and positive story about a young Black boy, 30 May 2006
10/10
Author: arifltatem from United States

This is the most beautiful story I've ever seen about a young Black boy in America. I could definitely relate to C.T. Young, who is played by Philip Hepburn. Hepburn really captivates me to no end. I would love very much to have this movie in my collection of favorites. It's Number One. What I especially enjoy about this movie is that it takes place in a schoolhouse setting. Dorothy Dandrige plays the teacher, and she's fabulous. She is a new teacher in the district, and the attention that she gives to pupil C.T. Young is an excellent example of what a teacher should be, which is one who encourages a student, and not discourage a student. She takes her time with C.T. Young and it pays off, because Young is such a beautiful and intelligent young man. Dandride plays a teacher who gives a lot of positive reinforcement to her students. I really really really love this movie. It's a very positive movie, which is quite refreshing.

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
What A "Bright Star", 5 January 2006
8/10
Author: Rodney from United States

I really enjoyed seeing this "Gem" of a movie the characters were okay but Dandridge was out of sight as a prim and proper teacher. as a former educator, I loved to see her concern for young C.T. and her going beyond the call of duty for poor Tanya. It was a tear-jerker and an inspirational film. Being a minister, I also liked the Sunday School scene and the quips by the P.K.(preacher's Kid)...Lil' Miss Know it all!! I have one just like that Ha Ha Ha!!!Middle kid. Boyd and Lloyd were a scream!!! Belafonte wasn't realistic. But I will give him props this being His debut film. I felt that I wanted to see a sequel what ever happened to C.T. and his eight brothers and sisters? Did he ever get over Tanya? this film was good for its time. Check this one out.

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5 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
This movie ranks "high" on my all-time favorites!, 20 June 1999
10/10
Author: anonymous from Castaic, CA

This movie ranks high on my list of memorable, worthwhile movies. It tugged on my heart strings as a child, and although I haven't seen this movie in 30 years or so, I still become emotional just thinking about it. I can still remember the characters names, and find that pretty ironic since I can see a current release today, and can't remember character names next week.

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent Family entertainment and positive black history, 15 April 2006
10/10
Author: gandywilson from United States

This is an excellent family movie. It is also an excellent tool for promoting positive black history; how education was and should continue to be today. I would highly recommend that this movie be considered each February during Black History Month. It is a rare movie in which there is no other agenda except wholesome positive self-affirmation. It is also an excellent role model of an example of how teaching should occur - without damaging a child's creative abilities. To say this is an excellent film, is in my opinion, an understatement. It is an excellent slice of a gentler time; a time when a village banded together to shape the development of children. Anyone who is interested in promoting black history will find this an excellent lead in for future media communications. It receives a 10 in my view. If given the opportunity, I would readily purchase it at a reasonable price - and encourage my circle of friends to do the same.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
A Great Film Classic to View, 26 May 2006
10/10
Author: whpratt1 from United States

Enjoyed seeing Dorothy Dandridge,(Jane Richards),"Carmen Jones",'53, in this picture which was directed by Gerald Mayer,a relative of Louis B. Mayer. In this film Jane Richards starts her first year of teaching at an all Black School and enjoys each and every student. However, she does take particular notice to a boy called "CJ" who is a sort of daydreamer and manages to be left back for two(2) years in almost every grade in school. The entire school has given up on this young boy and even the principal of the school begins to think it is a good idea to dismiss him from school. Dorothy Dandridge was a great African American actress and very talented and was a big success in "Carmen Jones", where she gave a fantastic performance. Dorothy's career soon started to disappear because her race was not portrayed on the Silver Screen in the 50's along with other great Black Entertainers. It is sad when you think that Dorothy Dandrige could have gone on in her career and given us many years of great entertainment.

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