A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

1945

2h 8m

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

101

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Drama

In Brooklyn circa 1900, the Nolans manage to enjoy life on pennies despite great poverty and Papa's alcoholism. We come to know these people well through big and little troubles: Aunt Sissy's scandalous succession of "husbands"; the removal of the one tree visible from their tenement; and young Francie's desire to transfer to a better school...if irresponsible Papa can get his act together.

Directors

Elia Kazan

Writers

Betty Smith(novel by)

Nicholas Ray(dialogue by)

Arthur Pierson(dialogue by)

Stars

Dorothy McGuire

Joan Blondell

James Dunn

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Videos2

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Photos23

Top cast

Katie Nolan

Aunt Sissy

Johnny Nolan

Officer McShane

McGarrity

Neeley Nolan

Francie Nolan

Miss McDonough

Steve Edwards

Christmas Tree Vendor

Ferike Boros

Grandmother (uncredited)

Virginia Brissac

Miss Tilford (uncredited)

Lillian Bronson

Librarian (uncredited)

Adeline De Walt Reynolds

Mrs. Waters (uncredited)

Charles Halton

Mr. Barker (uncredited)

Harry Harvey Jr.

Herschel Knutson (uncredited)

J. Farrell MacDonald

Mr. Carney The Junkman (uncredited)

Mae Marsh

Tynmore Sister (uncredited)

Directors

Elia Kazan

Writers

Betty Smith(novel by)

Nicholas Ray(dialogue by)

Arthur Pierson(dialogue by)

All cast & crew

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Review

Featured review

7/10

At the turn of the 20th century, the Nolan family eek out a living in New York. Mum “Katie” (Dorothy Maguire) is trying to raise impressionable daughter “Francie” (Peggy Ann Garner) and son “Neeley” (Ted Donaldson) whilst their well meaning but dipso entertainer of a father (James Dunn) struggles to make a living then hits the bottle when he does or doesn’t find work. The there’s the lively aunt “Sissy” (Joan Blondell) who seems prone to marry men called “Bill” - even if that isn’t actually his name at all, and whom “Katie” thinks is too much of a free-thinking abad influence on her children. When a third baby looms large, the pressure starts to increase on not just the couple but on their children who are already pretty adept at finding ways to raise the odd cent or two - and the bright and curious young girl’s schooling might also have to come to an abrupt and premature conclusion. When a tragedy hits the family hard, loyalties become strained and reality starts to test even the strongest bond whilst putting other things into a clearer perspective. At times this is really quite a funny drama, building on some solid Irish working class attitudes as it emphasises the values of family and of making sure those you love actually know it! It does pitch the sometimes conflicting characteristics of mother and daughter quite entertainingly and poignantly too and a strong effort from the young Garner and a sparingly engaging one from Donaldson as her cheeky sibling deliver strongly here helping to keep the film from drifting into melodrama or sentimentality.

Geronimo196702 Mar, 2025