Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

An old Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the American South have a relationship that grows and improves over the years.

Director:

Bruce Beresford

Writers:

Alfred Uhry (screenplay), Alfred Uhry (play)

Stars:

Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd

Won 4 Oscars. Another 24 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Morgan Freeman	...	Hoke Colburn
Jessica Tandy	...	Daisy Werthan
Dan Aykroyd	...	Boolie Werthan
Patti LuPone	...	Florine Werthan (as Patti Lupone)
Esther Rolle	...	Idella
Joann Havrilla	...	Miss McClatchey
William Hall Jr.	...	Oscar
Alvin M. Sugarman	...	Dr. Weil
Clarice F. Geigerman	...	Nonie
Muriel Moore	...	Miriam
Sylvia Kaler	...	Beulah
Carolyn Gold	...	Neighbor Lady
Crystal R. Fox	...	Katie Bell
Bob Hannah	...	Red Mitchell
Ray McKinnon	...	Trooper #1

Storyline

An elderly Jewish widow living in Atlanta can no longer drive. Her son insists she allow him to hire a driver, which in the 1950s meant a black man. She resists any change in her life but, Hoke, the driver is hired by her son. She refuses to allow him to drive her anywhere at first, but Hoke slowly wins her over with his native good graces. The movie is directly taken from a stage play and does show it. It covers over twenty years of the pair's life together as they slowly build a relationship that transcends their differences.

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Plot Keywords:

jewish | chauffeur | 1950s | widow | african american | 

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Taglines:

The funny, touching and totally irresistible story of a working relationship that became a 25-year friendship.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

15 December 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Miss Daisy et son chauffeur

Filming Locations:

822 Lullwater Road, Druid Hills, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,500,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$106,593,296 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Zanuck Company, The, Majestic Films International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital (DVD version)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

While being interviewed in the 2008 PBS Mini-Series The Jewish Americans, Alfred Uhry, who wrote the film's screen play and grew up as a Jewish child in Atlanta during the 40's and 50's, admitted that many Jews in Atlanta celebrated Christmas like Boolie and his wife in attempt to be a part of a community where Jews were a minority.

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Goofs

When Hoke gets back into the car after being questioned by the police, there is foliage from two different trees grouped together, visible in the reflection of the window; probably so the audience can see Hoke through the glass. Then in the long shot of the car pulling away, there are no trees or plants close enough to the car to have caused those reflections.

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Quotes

Hoke Colburn: [Hoke and Idella are walking to Daisy's house and notice Boolie's car in the driveway] Now what do you suppose he's doin' here this early in the mornin'?
Idella: Dunno... can't be good, I promise you that!

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Connections

Referenced in Bob's Burgers: Food Truckin' (2012)

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Soundtracks

"(I LOVE YOU) FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS"
(1945)
Written by Deek Watson and Willie Best (as William Best)
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
Courtesy of MCA Records

User Reviews

A touching film that is a story of ultimate friendship and loyalty.

Driving Miss Daisy is the story of a frienship between a hard to live with Jewish lady and her chauffeur. Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy give great performances along with Dan Aykroyd as a loving son to Miss Daisy. Great score and cinamatography add to this films enjoyment. If you're an old car buff like me, note that beautiful 1948 Hudson that is used in the first half of the movie.