Complete credited cast: | |||
Sidney Poitier | ... | Gordon Ralfe | |
Shelley Winters | ... | Rose-Ann D'Arcey | |
Elizabeth Hartman | ... | Selina D'Arcey | |
Wallace Ford | ... | Ole Pa | |
Ivan Dixon | ... | Mark Ralfe | |
Elisabeth Fraser | ... | Sadie | |
John Qualen | ... | Mr. Faber | |
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Kelly Flynn | ... | Yanek Faber |
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Debi Storm | ... | Selina, Age 5 |
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Renata Vanni | ... | Mrs. Favaloro |
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Saverio LoMedico | ... | Mr. Favaloro |
Accidentally blinded by her prostitute mother Rose-Ann at the age of five, Selina D'Arcey spends the next 13 years confined in the tiny Los Angeles apartment that they share with "Ole Pa", Selina's grandfather. One afternoon at the local park, Selina meets Gordon Ralfe, a thoughtful young office worker whose kind-hearted treatment of her results in her falling in love with him, unaware that he is black. They continue to meet in the park every afternoon and he teaches her how to get along in the city. But when the cruel, domineering Rose-Ann learns of their relationship, she forbids her to have anything more to do with him because he is black. Selina continues to meet Gordon despite Rose-Ann's fury, who is determined to end the relationship for good. Written by alfiehitchie
"A Patch of Blue" is a wonderful film which works on at least two levels: a romance and a social commentary. Unlike most romances, it manages to be touching without being melodramatic, and unlike most social commentaries, it subtly makes its points without manipulation or a hidden agenda.
It is the story of how Selina, a blind girl who is verbally and sometimes physically abused by her mother, discovers her independence with the help of a young, black professional, Gordon. Selina's entire life has been spent alone and indoors. She has not learned how to read Braille or how to get around on her own. She basically does not know how to live independently. She meets Gordon in the park one day, and he essentially begins to teach her how to live. A warm and trusting friendship develops. The obvious complication from their relationship is the fact that Selina's mother is a racist, and Selina does not know that Gordon is black.
Both characters are wonderful: Gordon is cautious but intrigued, knowing he is walking on dangerous ground. Selina is comically naive and eager with an unbreakable spirit.
If you get a chance, watch this movie! It is inspiring and is one of those rare films that actually makes you think.