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 17 wins & 24 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
Jo Ann Havrilla	...	Miss McClatchey (as Joann Havrilla)
William Hall Jr.	...	Oscar
Alvin M. Sugarman	...	Dr. Weil
Clarice F. Geigerman	...	Nonie
Muriel Moore	...	Miriam
Sylvia Kaler	...	Beulah
Carolyn Gold	...	Neighbor Lady
Crystal Fox	...	Katie Bell (as Crystal R. Fox)
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 | widow | african american | 1950s | old age | 

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Taglines:

The comedy that won a Pulitzer Prize

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Alfred Uhry based the story of Daisy and Hoke on his own grandmother Lena Fox and her chauffeur Will Coleman.

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Goofs

Just before Miss Daisy's first ride with Hoke, she walks down her street past a house that has multiple skylights, a type and style which didn't exist until 30 years later.

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Quotes

Boolie Werthan: [Hoke and Boolie are entering the car dealership to trade in the Hudson] She fought me on this one, but it's time for a trade. I'll bet you'll miss the old one.
Hoke Colburn: No, sir, I don't expect I'll miss it that much.
Boolie Werthan: Come on! You're the only one who's been driving it all this time. Won't you be a little sorry to see it go?
Hoke Colburn: It ain't going nowhere. I done bought it.
Boolie Werthan: You didn't!
Hoke Colburn: I sure did! Already made the deal with Mr. Red Mitchell.
Boolie Werthan: How much?
Hoke Colburn: Oh, come on now, Mr. Werthan. That's for him and me to know.
Red Mitchell: [...]

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Crazy Credits

Film title logo appears at the end of closing credits

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Connections

Referenced in Public Enemy Feat. Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane: Burn Hollywood Burn (1990)

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Soundtracks

After The Ball
(1892)
Words and Music by Charles Harris (as Charles K. Harris)
Sung a cappella by Jessica Tandy (uncredited)
Published by Charles K. Harris Publishing Company, Inc.

User Reviews

The Growth of Affection

After watching this film for the second time I realized just how important the affection that occurs between Hoke and Daisy really is. What grows between these two is something most people only wish to have in their lives. What is so special about it, though?

From the beginning of their relationship, the two are forced to be together. Daisy is forced to have a driver and Hoke is hired on for that position. For both, the relationship is one out of need. Hoke needs a paying job and Daisy needs a driver in her old age (although, she would never admit it to anyone especially herself).

As time goes by, though, Daisy's need of Hoke becomes clearer to herself. She begins to depend on him. This is definitely made clear at the end when Hoke is feeding Daisy her pumpkin pie, and she enjoys each bite fully.

Another aspect of the movie which got to me was the great array of choices the director made with the filming. Hoke is a character of very few words but teaches Daisy so much. Morgan Freeman's acting in this character is amazing. The knowledge he shows within his eyes is one reason I almost felt closer to him than Daisy did throughout the first half of the movie. In a way, he teaches her a new way of life. He does so by showing himself truly and honestly.

Another choice the director made was in the symbolic way the film was made. The beauty of the many seasons is shown through the changes of the landscape. The trees transform from winter to spring and the streets go from sheets of ice to warm asphalt. And the cars get larger and more high tech. Time is so important in Daisy's and Hoke's affection/friendship that this is a great way to show that.

There are so many aspects of this film which I could go on and on about. It is a wonderful film of which any person can get a fulfilling movie watching experience out of. They can also learn a lot from it, too! Watch it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

26 January 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Driving Miss Daisy

Filming Locations:

Sevananda Natural Foods Grocery, 1111 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$73,745, 17 December 1989

Gross USA:

$106,593,296

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$145,793,296

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Zanuck Company, Allied Filmmakers, Majestic Films International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1