Movie news on your iPhone today!
Advertisement
Sign in
Username   Password         Forgot password?
Wanna join? Sign up
Find movies you'll love
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Rate this movie.

Watch trailer Watch trailer

Rent it, watch it, find it

Advertisement
Synopsis
One-time movie song-and-dance man James Dunn won an Academy Award for his "comeback" performance in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Based on the best-selling novel by Betty Smith, the film relates the trials and tribulations of a turn-of-the-century Brooklyn tenement family. The father, Dunn, is a likable but irresponsible alcoholic whose dreams of improving his family's lot are invariably doomed to disappointment. The mother, Dorothy McGuire, is the true head of the household, steadfastly holding the family together no matter what crisis arises. The story is told from the point of view of daughter Peggy Ann Garner, a clear-eyed realist who nonetheless would like to believe in her pie-in-the-sky father, whom she dearly loves. Joan Blondell co-stars as the family's brash, freewheeling aunt, whose means of financial support is a never-ending source of neighborhood gossip. This first film directorial effort of Elia Kazan earned a special Oscar for "Most Promising Juvenile Performer" Peggy Ann Garner. A Tree Grows From Brooklyn was remade for TV in 1974, and also served as the basis of a Broadway musical. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

John Alexander Steve Edwards
Robert Anderson Augie
John Berkes Mr. Crackenbox
Joan Blondell Aunt Sissy
Ferike Boros Grandma Rommely
Al Bridge Cheap Charlie
Virginia Brissac Miss Tilford
Lillian Bronson Librarian
Alec Craig Werner the butcher
Peter Cusanelli Barber
Ted Donaldson Neeley Nolan
James Dunn Johnny Nolan
Norman Field Principal of School
Peggy Ann Garner Francie Nolan
Vincent Graeff Henny Gaddis
Charles Halton Mr. Barker
Harry Harvey, Jr. Herschel Knutson
Susan Lester Flossie Gaddis
John Farrell MacDonald Carney the junkman
Mae Marsh Tynmore sister
Dorothy McGuire Katie Nolan
George Meader Principal of Schools
Ruth Nelson Miss McDonough
Lloyd Nolan Officer McShane
Francis Pierlot Priest
B.S. Pully Christmas Tree Vendor
Adeline Reynolds Mrs. Waters
Erskine Sanford Undertaker
Martha Wentworth Mother
James Gleason McGarrity
Joseph J. Greene Hassler
George Melford Mr. Spencer
Art Smith Charley the iceman
Bob Anderson Augie

Production Crew

Lyle Wheeler Art Director
Betty Smith Book Author
Leon Shamroy Cinematographer
Alfred Newman Composer (Music Score)
Bonnie Cashin Costume Designer
Elia Kazan Director
Dorothy Spencer Editor
Louis D. Lighton Producer
Frank Davis Screenwriter
Tess Slesinger Screenwriter
Frank E. Hughes Set Designer
Thomas K. Little Set Designer
Fred Sersen Special Effects
Year: 1945
Runtime: 128
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: PG
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama

Produced by
20th Century Fox

Release
by 20th

Awards
1945 - 10 Best Films - Film Daily
1945 - 10 Best Films - New York Times
1945 - Best Picture - National Board of Review
1945 - Best Picture - National Board of Review
1945 - 10 Best Films - Film Daily
1945 - 10 Best Films - New York Times