Bronxgirl48 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Love that Emlyn tribute, jackie (and the music!) He was charismatic and multi-talented. If it's okay with you guys, I'd like to change course a bit and express some thoughts, ramble a wee while, about A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN. It's a movie I grew up with, and I know it's a favorite of many people, on a few levels, as a coming of age story, and also as a depiction of the immigrant experience in America. It resonates with me, however, not as a family history but because I identify with Francie's love of books and education, the loss of her father, and growing up with a younger brother. What impresses me the most about Elia Kazan's adaption of the Betty Smith book (which I haven't read) is its emotional truth in the Francie character. Whether she is pulling a box out from under her bed to retrieve compositions from school to read to her mother, or stoically placing her late father's shaving mug into it, I can really feel that this box stores all her hopes, dreams, and memories. When she is on the roof of her tenement talking to God about Johnny's death, her words just ring so true; it's what I had felt and said at my own father's passing, the questioning, the bewilderment, the bargaining, it's very real and sends jolts of bittersweet recognition through my heart. When Francie is sitting on her fire escape, transported by imagination to a kind of ecstasy by the book she is reading, and oblivious to the "reality" of the tenement noise around her, because then and there her only true reality is her dreams. When Francie receives an unexpected gift of flowers on her graduation day and finds out who sent them, and then finally being able to let out her grief. Francie tries to explain to her teacher what she thinks truth and beauty are, but she stumbles around and the class laughs and the teacher is impatient. "I can't put it good" Francie says to her. She tries to tell her father about what a more supportive teacher had to say, but has trouble: "I can't put it like she did". Francie can best express herself through her writing. After reading one of her compositions about Johnny to her mother, Dorothy McGuire tells her, "It's real smart of you to put it down like that, Francie. That's how it was". There are so many wonderful moments in the movie that I'd love for anyone else to talk about if you're so inclined, but I first wanted to give you my heartfelt thoughts about the concept of emotional truth in relation to the character of Francie, and how much meaning this gives her as a timeless mirror into adolescence. Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 Hi Barbara! I was very moved what you wrote about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I think you hit upon the real reason this movie has had such staying power and manages to reach people so many years later. It isn't set in a time any of us can remember so the reality and truthfulness of the characters has to be why. Peggy Ann Garner had practically the best supporting cast around to help her but I think she still had the main load to carry. It's an amazing performance. In a way, she reminds me of many of the little girl heroines I enjoyed reading about most when I was growing up. Girls who, like you said, loved to immerse themselves in books and even wanting to write. I look forward to more. It's a wonderfully rich film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Thanks, April. What struck me, after watching HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY for the first time not so long ago, was how much Peggy Ann Garner's performance reminded me of Roddy McDowell's; they don't so much act, as react, to what is going on around them, absorbing everything and trying to make sense of it all. This was especially vivid for me in the scene where Katie is on the verge of labor, and tells Francie she needs her at this very special moment The emotions that cross Peggy's face -- fear, grief, helplessness -- are so finely rendered yet palpable; it cuts to the emotional quick with such poignancy. And what is startling to me is that Peggy actually LOOKS like Roddy, her puzzled, sensitive eyes, searching, searching. Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 What a gift you have for description. I never would have thought to compare Peggy and Roddy and yet you make me see it quite plain, their resemblence and the similarities of their characters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 You're right! Their eyes and their hair---they could easily have played brother and sister! But it's just as much the look in their eyes, or the way they look at their world.... Uncanny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Oh my gosh, it's incredible how you picked up on Peggy Ann and Roddy! But even more incredible is how the two characters mesh emotionally - books are so very important to these two dreamers....they even have the same pie in the sky expression..... Your first post moved me so much. I think the thing that pulls me to the movie so strongly is the very thing you spoke of. The movie itself is like Francie's composition - I watch it and say to myself, 'Yes... it was just like that, it's real smart of you to put it down like that." The person in my life was my mom, who gave me a love of literature and history, without ever trying to. I miss her, and watching the movie makes me remember.... I will add more later. Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your post, Bronxie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
route66 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I also agree wholeheartedly on all the similarities between Peggy Ann and Roddy - very good analysis! And speaking of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", anyone who might want to catch it again keep in mind the movie will be showing again on the Fox Movie Channel on March 28th at 8am ET. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rohanaka Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Jack.... Very interesting clip on Emlyn Williams... I never had a name for the face... The first time I ever even heard the name was the other day when I was reading the opening credits for NMF... He was a very talented gentleman to be sure. (PS... it WAS an unexpected song choice in that youtube clip... but it worked for me!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rohanaka Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Wow Barb... I have never seen A Tree Grows In Brooklyn... but reading past posts got me interested.. And reading your post now has made up my mind... it is definitely a "wanna see" now for me. VERY thoughtful and well written ramble little lady. PS... Never having seen "Francie" in action, I will have take your word on how she and Roddy are alike in character... but just going on looks alone, they could be twins for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 Kathy, you've never seen ATGIB?? Wow---that's one I just know you will like. Very much. It may come to DVD later this year, there was a rumor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rohanaka Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 you've never seen ATGIB?? I am pretty sure I never have... It seems to me there was a made for tv version that I MIGHT have seen... like a gazillion years ago.. ok... it was the 70's... but I really don't have any memory of it.... I am going to look for it this week when I go to the library. I am sure they will have a vhs copy or they can get one in for me... But if not... Maybe they will get it on DVD when it comes out and I can check it out then.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Thank you, Wendy. Sometimes I have trouble expressing myself not just verbally but in print, trying to say in simple terms exactly how and what I feel about movies and the characters in them. But thanks to the screenwriters, Elia Kazan's sensitive but unsentimental direction, and Peggy Ann Garner's understated performance, it's been easier than usual for me. I'll be back on the boards later this evening because I want to talk more about the other characters, and needless to say, am really looking forward to your usual brilliant analysis and heartfelt thoughts. Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Kathy, you will love and appreciate this movie, I just KNOW it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 > {quote:title=MissGoddess wrote:}{quote} > You're right! Their eyes and their hair---they could easily have played brother and sister! > But it's just as much the look in their eyes, or the way they look at their world.... > > Uncanny. And they both have fathers who encourage their love of learning. Donald Crisp was anxious for Huw to continue on to school (even though Roddy wanted to join them in the mines) but practical Sara didn't see the need of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 That's true! I can easily relate to stories about children who find themselves through books. They both share another thing in common regarding their fathers, but I don't want to spoil it for Kathy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rohanaka Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I don't want to spoil it for Kathy. Oh chat away, little lady.. I am interested in hearing about it all... and if it looks to "spoilish" I will just close my eyes! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
route66 Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 > {quote:title=rohanaka wrote:}{quote} > Jack.... Very interesting clip on Emlyn Williams... I never had a name for the face... The first time I ever even heard the name was the other day when I was reading the opening credits for NMF... He was a very talented gentleman to be sure. (PS... it WAS an unexpected song choice in that youtube clip... but it worked for me!) I wasn't expecting such a contemporary song to work so well, but it worked for me, too, and in fact I may even like the song more than I did before, now that I have such a great clip to associate it with! B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissGoddess Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Oh chat away, little lady.. I am interested in hearing about it all... and if it looks to "spoilish" I will just close my eyes! :-) I know, but what I was going to mention is a big deal in the story. All I can say is, when you watch it have plenty of Kleenex on hand! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
route66 Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Oh, I love a good tearjerker myself... And I'm always ready with a handy box of Kleenex! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rohanaka Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 have plenty of Kleenex on hand I went out and bought a years supply after all the mushy talk that Molo and Frank Grimes put us through with How Green Was My Valley!!! (Live and learn!!) :-) So what are you telling me???? Is this movie going to reduce me to a blubbering mess of mush??????? I may have to wait until I am either SO low I just won't notice... OR I am so happy I can survive it before I watch!! HA!! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Just some closing thoughts about A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN. It's such a special film, but it's not necessarily a "fun" ramble with legs, if you know what I mean, the way NIGHT MUST FALL is, or A KISS BEFORE DYING will be (everyone, catch it for Bob Wagner's creepy performance; talk about psychopaths!). TREE is melancholy but also hopeful, because thanks to Johnny Nolan and his "dreamy ways", he and Francie share a soulful connection that allows him to understand her in a way that Katie can't, and gives him the intuitive ability to see that Francie's wish for a new school, with it's less crowded classrooms and attentive teachers, is something she needs almost as much as food in her stomach or air to breathe. Education is the key to a better life in the new world of America, and Francie will get her chance, thanks to her father. Johnny Nolan had "no gift for making money, but he had a gift for friendship", as Francie writes in one of her compositions she reads to her mother, entitled, "The Man Everybody Loved". Johnny is an alcoholic, and that has a devastating effect on the family's finances, but he's also a loving husband and father. His friendly and caring personality endears him to everyone he meets. He talks "pipe dreams" and weaves fantasies, and James Dunn perfectly captures the insecurities beneath his breezy exterior. Dorothy McGuire is so believably weary yet tough as Katie Nolan, the family breadwinner. She looks facts in the face and tells Johnny "You haven't got a chance", not because she's cruel (though Francie thinks so) but because she can see he'll never change and she's almost saying this to herself as well as to Johnny. She knows that as hard as she works, they will never have enough money to get by, and that Johnny never has been and never will be, the family provider in any material way. When they were courting, she loved those dreamy ways of his, as he showed her the mountain fastnesses on a map and transported her to distant places (the way Francie is transported through her books) and she went along with the fantasy. When he comes home with tales of a great party and big tips, she's eager to hear his stories of the event, even enjoying his embellishments. She wants to believe his stories, but reality is always calling her back. McGuire's best scene is when, after Johnny's death, she's about to give birth, and is alone in her room with Francie attending her. They are waiting for Neely to bring grandma and Aunt Sissy. It's begun to rain. A flickering candle lights the space. Katie, in pain and still grieving for Johnny, begins a wrenching monologue that touches upon her sense of guilt and inadequacy as a parent and her longing for Johnny, and she also reaches out to Francie in an attempt to know her daughter better. Dorothy is one of my favorite actresses because she can convey so much with such understatement, and as she's in bed, both grieving her loss and waiting for a new life to be born, I feel every emotion she is going through. I love Joan Blondell as the earthy, buxom, flirty "black sheep" Aunt Sissy. She is warm-hearted and is Katie's big sister. She keeps marrying men and calling them Bill. She intercedes with the children when Katie is especially harsh on them, and has a special affection and appreciation for Johnny. She knows he's a good guy and thinks that Katie is lucky to have him. This is my favorite performance of Joan's and really established her with me as a serious and excellent dramatic actress. Ted Donaldson as brother Neely merits special attention in my book; he's scrappy and a real boy, and rags Francie that she "don't know nothing" about the birds and the bees. He doesn't like "mush" talk, is constantly hungry, wants to continue playing with his friends even though Francie has to remind him to come home because "Mama said" , and is thoroughly relieved to have finally graduated. "I got outta jail" as he waves his diploma. Ted seems to have an authentic New Yawk accent, but it's not just this that lends such an air of credibility to his performance. He also is loyal to his sister; for instance, when Francie, with unexpected poignant pride, tells him that Katie needs her and not him during her labor, he suddenly becomes the man of the household and nods in exaggerated assent, as if to say, "Okay, I understand, you woman get to it, then". And I like how in his company Francie shows off her "street kid" side; before Christmas, they band together to get a free tree when B.S. Pulley throws it; if they catch it, it's theirs. He expresses his doubts that either one of them can, when she says, "We ain't too small together". I always enjoyed Lloyd Nolan in his B movies, and had never known he was a "serious" actor until I saw him as Officer McShane in this movie. McShane seems to have a secret sorrow that only grandma discerns: "He is, I think, a lonely man". Nolan plays McShane as polite, steady, dutiful yet sensitive. It is a lovely little "cameo" of a performance. The always wonderful James Gleason, as McGarrity the bar owner, provides some authentic local flavor. He isn't in many scenes, but you always remember him. Coffee plays a big part in everyone's sense of well-being; Johnny says, "I wonder what people did before they invented coffee". Francie makes a pot and gives a cup to Katie during her labor, and she takes a sip and sighs with delight; it's as if we're drinking it with her. During the Christmas holidays, there is always coffee at hand, and, when Johnny comes home drunk, Francie brews up some. This particular beverage seems to be the "remedy" for everything in the Nolan household: it cures a hangover, is convivally stimulating when company arrives (like the insurance man who comes over to collect his dime and dispense with neighborhood gossip; Katie tells Francie to get out "the good cup") If anyone gets The Fox Movie Channel, A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN will be playing next week. Do not miss it! (and all this talk of coffee is getting me in the mood for some) Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CineMaven Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 I'm watching "A KISS BEFORE DYING" and am enjoyng it immensely. I see Jan's In the Pan in all her glory here (Virginia Leith to you layman). She looks nice in that white outfit. Funny, Robert Wagner reminds me of Matt Damon in "THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY." Wagner and Woodward would star again in "WINNING." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Never before has Robert Wagner's monotone voice been so effective as in A KISS BEFORE DYING. "Jan" is also in the 1954 BLACK WIDOW, in which -- guess who? -- Peggy Ann Garner plays the conniving Nanny Ordway! Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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