MovieChat Forums > A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Discussion > Totally underated !

Totally underated !

posted 19 years ago by dbmcwa1
7 replies | jump to latest

Though it was Kazan's feature debut, it still is a classic. The chemistry
between the actors completely melds almost into reality. How Peggy got into
that character at such a young age, should go down as one of the best child
performences of all time. It doesn't even come across that she's acting. And
how old was she? The Academy pretty much snubbed this movie. It should have
been nominated for Director, actress, supporting actress (Garner & Blondell)
supporting actor ( Dunn won ) and adapted screeplay. Travesty. I just saw the
film again, after about 15 years, and it still holds up. Great all around, even
if at times, you may get a lump in your throat. They just don't make them like
they used to do they?

[–] deanoseattle 19 years ago

I agree. I had never seen the film before today and was completely mesmerized by Peggy's performance. After researching her filmography I read she never reached the stature in her career this film seemed to promise. Too bad. Regarding the snubbing of the movie by the Academy, you're right, but the Academy also snubbed Dorothy McGuire when she passed away. No mention or even photo of her in the montage of the talent we had lost that year. Really ashame. Fantastic film, though. The DVD will be the newest addition to my library.

[–] JohnnyOldSoul 19 years ago

I too was amazed by the way the Academy treated this film. James Dunn was the male lead, although his nomination was for supporting actor. But, at least he won! And Peggy got a special award, whcih was nice. It's hard to fathom how they missed nominating Dorothy McGuire for best actress.

I was also surprised not to see Dorothy McGuire in the montage, although she had left Hollywood far behind she was still a force in pictures from the 1940s and way beyond.

I'm glad Jimmy won the Oscar, but would love to have seen this film win more awards, which it so richly deserved.

[–] navywife6276 18 years ago

I completely agree with you! This film is deserving of more recognition. Peggy Garner gave an especially fine, heartfelt performance in portraying young Francie.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] suggarnspace 18 years ago

Hiya!! This is my first post here. It's great to talk with people who truly enjoy the art of movies.

I agree. The Totally underated, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn is one of the best movies ever made. Watching Peggy Ann Garner was like watching Francie Nolan play the part of Francie Nolan in an autobiography...something like that.

Elia Kazan had the confidence (and talent) to make a movie that was the complete opposite of the Hollywood glamour and glitz of 1945.

Lloyd Nolan should have been commended as a strong supporting actor.

With all of the money and available talent that goes into a movie production, it baffles your mind at how anybody can drop fifty bucks to go to the movies today to find that 15 minutes into the script that the plot is so predictable that you can leave, go shopping in the mall and come back to see the ending. Most of the crap out there seems to always have a car race that ends up in some sort of explosion, following gunshots; always a love interest (between 2 young, hot, no-talent stars)that leaves nothing to the imagination if you know what I mean; at least one type of substance abuse issue, the CD of the soundtrack that's released at about the same time and the repeated boring lines of scripts from other movies.

Personally, I've stopped going to the movies because it got too disappointing, lol. I wait until another brave soul has the patience to sit through one, and then says, ''you've got to see this movie...you will love it...it's already out on DVD". I think at best, a good movie can be found about twice a year.

If you've gotten this far into this babbling post, thanks for reading it and thanks for sharing!

p.s. How come great movies have to be re-made? It's like re-writing a great novel.

[–] navywife6276 18 years ago

Welcome aboard, Suggarnspace!

Thank you for your post and insight. I just made that same comment to my husband about the unnecessary remake of great movies. Pity that they have to do that! In reference to your comment about going to the movies, I also share your feelings on that subject - they sure don't make them like the used to!

Anyway, keep watching those great classic films and have fun posting...

[–] 18 years ago

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