This is an adaptation of North Carolina author Betty Smith's novel about a bright, young girl growing up in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, trying to rise above her tenement existence. Sensitively filmed by the directing debut of Elia Kazan, and graced with wonderful performances by James Dunn as the wistful, alcoholic father and Dorothy McGuire as a strong-willed mother. Dunn and Peggy Ann Garner both won Oscars for their performances. The film is 123 minutes and not rated. Viewers are invited to a discussion of the book and film after the screening.
