Review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) by Kevin R — 26 Nov 2012

He took the time to make a lot of people love him.

A poor family in Brooklyn is raised by their strong mother and carefree father. Their father struggles to find work but always seems to find friends, drinks, and a way home with no more money than when he left. His children love him to death but his wife is starting to get frustrated with his antics. Can the family survive or will the mother breakup the family in hopes of teaching the father a lesson?

"She'll never have the hard times we had.".

"She'll never have half the fun either.".

Elia Kazan, director of On the Waterfront, A Street Car Named Desire, East of Eden, A Gentleman's Agreement, Splendor in the Grass, A Face in the Crowd, and Wild River, delivers A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The storyline for this movie is amazing and a coming of age tale told from a wonderful perspective. The acting was brilliant and the cast delivers wonderful performances. The cast includes James Gleason, Lloyd Nolan, Joan Blodell, and Dorothy McGuire.

"She can't be papa to me. Not ever.".

I came across this movie while reviewing the Turner Classic Movie (TCM) schedule. I am a fan of Elia Kazan pictures and found this film to be another impressive mark on his resume. This film is perfect and the evolution of each character is beautiful and unfolds perfectly. I strongly recommend seeing this gem.

"He would have bought you dolls instead of milk.".

Grade: A.