A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

PG,

1945,

2h 8m,

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

94%

16 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

16 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

This adaptation of the classic novel tells the story of young Francie Nolan (Peggy Ann Garner) who yearns for life beyond her Brooklyn apartment building. While her daily routine is difficult, she makes the best of her situation, living with her hard-working mother (Dorothy McGuire), alcoholic father (James Dunn) and tough little brother (Ted Donaldson). Encouraged by her kind but irresponsible dad, Francie struggles to keep her hopes up and persevere despite all the odds against her.

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 21, 2010

3/5

Faithful adaptation of classic family story.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Nov 1, 2007

Where Tree is frequently slow, it is offset by the story's significance and pointed up notably by the direction of Elia Kazan.

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Bosley Crowther

New York Times

May 20, 2003

Elia Kazan has directed this picture, his first, with an easy naturalness that has brought out all the tone of real experience in a vastly affecting film.

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Fannie Hurst

Modern Screen

Jun 15, 2023

Here is a picturization of a book that will challenge the interest and anticipation of the millions of Americans who love that outstanding novel of two seasons ago: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.

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Cinelandia Staff

Cinelandia

Sep 1, 2022

A very human story with small grand details that excites and touches a sentimental cord. [Full review in Spanish]

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

Nov 24, 2021

6/10

It reflects the early sobriety of Kazan's style, but its melodrama about poverty and family nucleus seems to me inconsistent and unemotional. [Full review in Spanish]

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Jan 26, 2019

The best inspiring movie ever made!

Kylo G

Mar 11, 2017

Brooklyn, New York, early 1900s. The Nolans are a poor working class family. Father Johnny is a singing waiter, working whenever he can, though his alcoholism often depletes their meager finances. Mother Katie is a maid. Street-smart children Francie and Neeley do what they can to help out. Francie's intelligence and talents as a writer are her and her family's way out of poverty, but the sacrifices required may be great... Based on Betty Smith's novel, an incredibly engaging story from master-director Elia Kazan. The bleakness and seemingly dead-endedness of the Nolan's existence, the family bonds, the things the parents do to help their kids advance, the idea that you're not limited by your parents socioeconomic level (The American Dream), all these add up to a very emotional and profound journey. A highly thought-provoking and quite accurate depiction of society. Great performances aid Kazan's direction. James Dunn won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Johnny but the whole cast deliver in spades. Unfortunately, the only other Oscar nomination the movie received was for Best Screenplay (which it didn't win). No Best Picture nomination, though it was a very good year for movies. Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend won the Oscar from a list of nominees that included Mildred Pierce and Spellbound.

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Hagrid M

Nov 2, 2012

A feel good tribute to the great book.

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Elia Kazan

Director

Dorothy McGuire

Katie Nolan

Peggy Ann Garner

Francie Nolan

James Dunn

Johnny Nolan

Joan Blondell

Sissy Edwards

Lloyd Nolan

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Synopsis

This adaptation of the classic novel tells the story of young Francie Nolan (Peggy Ann Garner) who yearns for life beyond her Brooklyn apartment building. While her daily routine is difficult, she makes the best of her situation, living with her hard-working mother (Dorothy McGuire), alcoholic father (James Dunn) and tough little brother (Ted Donaldson). Encouraged by her kind but irresponsible dad, Francie struggles to keep her hopes up and persevere despite all the odds against her.

Director: Elia Kazan
Producer: Louis D. Lighton
Screenwriter: Frank Davis, Anita Loos, Tess Slesinger, Betty Smith
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 28, 1945, Wide
Runtime: 2h 8m
Sound Mix: Mono

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