Ruby Bridges (1998) (TV)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Euzhan Palcy

Writer:

Toni Ann Johnson (writer)

Release Date:

18 January 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The true story of Ruby Bridges, an African-American girl who, in 1960 at age 6, helped to integrate the all-white schools of New Orleans...

Plot Keywords:

School | Girl | Civil Rights Movement | 1960s | African American

Awards:

4 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Chaz Monet	...	Ruby Nell Bridges
Penelope Ann Miller	...	Barbara Henry
Kevin Pollak	...	Dr. Robert Coles
Michael Beach	...	Abon Bridges
Lela Rochon	...	Lucielle 'Lucy' Bridges
Jean Louisa Kelly	...	Jane Coles
Peter Francis James	...	Dr. Broyard
Diana Scarwid	...	Miss Woodmere
Patrika Darbo	...	Miss Spencer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Derin Altay	...	Mrs. Stein
D.L. Anderson	...	Mother #1
Michael Burgess	...	Mr. Lewis
Al Butler	...	Deputy U.S. Marshal Al Buffer
Paula Davis	...	Arlene
Christian Fincannon	...	Cathy
Joan Gibson	...	Mrs. Taylor
Gil Johnson	...	Policeman
Toni Ann Johnson	...	Alma Broyard
John Keenan	...	Barricade Guard
Chuck Kinlaw	...	Policeman #1
Charlie Lucas	...	Mr. Taylor
Joe Maggard	...	State Patrolman
John P. Menese	...	Minister
Robin Robertson	...	Reporter
Jeffrey Spoto	...	Jimmy
Christopher Stokes	...	Carl
Kiara Tucker	...	Alison
Whitney Tucker	...	Mary
Georgia Weeks	...	Jimmy's Mother
Ralph Wilcox	...	Pastor

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Company:

Marian Rees Associates

Quotes:

Policeman: The governor of the great state of Louisiana says you can't enter.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Al Buffer: Thank you sir, but the president of the Untied States says I can.

Ruby Bridges the Gap ***1/2

This film details the effects of racism on a first grader sent to an all white school in Louisiana in 1960. The child, Ruby Bridges, must endure the taunts of bigots in the street to protest her enrollment. What's even worse is that she encounters a bigoted teaching staff led by a vicious, prejudiced school administrator. Diana Scarwid catches the essence of bigotry in her performance. However, it is never pointed out who exactly she represents. Is she the principal, superintendent or school secretary? No matter who she is, she is the epitome of bigotry.

The film deals with the psychological trauma affecting Ruby and her family.

The child playing Ruby is just wonderful. Other acting kudos must go to the teacher who plays Mrs. Henry. She is kind and understanding. Kevin Pollak gives a wonderfully understated performance as the psychologist working with Ruby and her parents. Michael Beach is excellent as the father, who loses his job, during this situation and is bitter against everyone: Black neighbors who feel increasing pressure, a Jewish store owner who is pressured in telling Beach not to come into the store, and NAACP officials who he feels are not doing enough.

The film is an excellent one for trying to break down the religious and racial barriers that affect us all.