For Love of Ivy (1968)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
55% of users liked it
(1,218 ratings)

When it was released in 1968, For Love of Ivy was the first mainstream Hollywood film to depict a mature romantic relationship between a black man and woman. Sidney Poitier stars as Jack Parks, a trucking executive who runs an illegal travelling casino out of one of his vehicles. Abbey Lincoln… More When it was released in 1968, For Love of Ivy was the first mainstream Hollywood film to depict a mature romantic relationship between a black man and woman. Sidney Poitier stars as Jack Parks, a trucking executive who runs an illegal travelling casino out of one of his vehicles. Abbey Lincoln co-stars as Ivy Moore, the much-valued maid of the white Austin household. To make sure that Ivy won't quit her job, Frank Austin (Carroll O'Connor) blackmails Poitier into romancing her. He eventually falls in love with Ivy for real, but not before she's discovered that he's little more than a "hired hand" in affairs of the heart. Beau Bridges costars as amiable hippie Tim Austin, the only truly likeable member of his snooty, upper-crust clan. Robert Alan Aurthur based his screenplay on an original story by star Sidney Poiter. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Daniel Mann
Genres: Drama, Romance, Mystery & Suspense, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 17, 1968 Wide
On DVD: Mar 13, 2001

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's an equal opportunity offender: supporting both white and black bourgeois dreams.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
This mediocre comedy, starring Poitier, became better known for its Oscar nominated song.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Poitier love story has not aged well.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...Poitier's always a pleasure to watch, even when the story surrounding him isn't exactly captivating.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Cast

            Sidney Poitier as Jack Parks

            Abbey Lincoln as Ivy Moore

            Beau Bridges as Tim Austin

            Nan Martin as Doris Austin

            Lauri Peters as Gena Austin

            Carroll O'Connor as Frank Austin

            Leon Bibb as Billy Talbot

            Hugh Hurd as Jerry

            Lon Satton as Harry

            Stanley Greene as Eddie

            Cordy Clark
            
            Marlene Clark
            
            Anita Dangler
            
            Peter Dohanos
            
            Josip Elic
            
            Laura Greene
            
            Gloria Hendry
            
            Sharon Henesy
            
            Maeve McGuire
            
            Robert  Miller
            
            Lisa Moore
            
            Clark Morgan
            
            Jennifer O'Neill
            
            Hope Stansbury
            
            Bob Carey
            
            Christopher St. John
            
            Jerome Collamore
            
            Paul Harris
            
            Madge West
            
            Joseph Attles
            
            Tony Major
            
            Lester Mack
            
            Mae Crane
            
See full cast

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