A Patch of Blue (1965)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Guy Green

Writers:

Elizabeth Kata (novel)
Guy Green (written by)

Release Date:

10 December 1965 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A man...a girl...captives in their own worlds...finding escape in each other...

Plot:

A blind, uneducated white girl is befriended by a black man, who becomes determined to help her escape her impoverished and abusive home life.

Plot Keywords:

Park | Grandfather | Prostitute | Blind | Tenement

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 14 nominations

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
Kelly Flynn	...	Yanek Faber
Debi Storm	...	Selina, Age 5
Renata Vanni	...	Mrs. Favaloro
Saverio LoMedico	...	Mr. Favaloro

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #20966) | Canada:PG (video rating) | Finland:K-8 | Sweden:15 | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Filmways Pictures

Trivia:

Hayley Mills was considered for lead role but was bypassed for unknown Elizabeth Hartman to cut costs.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: Throughout the movie, you can see the crew members and the boom mic reflected on Selina's glasses.

Quotes:

Ole' Pa: [shouts] What the hell is the matter here? What are you trying to do to Selina?
Rose-Ann D'Arcey: You stay out of this one, you stupid, old drunk!
[shoves him]
Ole' Pa: Who're you calling stupid? Why, you three-buck broad, you...
Rose-Ann D'Arcey: [smacks him]
Ole' Pa: Okay, you black-hearted bitch...
[removes jacket]
Ole' Pa: If you wanna fight...

Movie Connections:

Edited into Afro Promo (1997)

A great film...touching and thought provoking

"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.