Pinky (1949)
-
67% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
67% of users liked it
(987 ratings)
Elia Kazan directed this, one of Hollywood's early attacks on racism, starring Jeanne Crain as Patricia "Pinky" Johnson. Patricia is a light-skinned black woman who is studying nursing at a New England medical institute. A white doctor, Thomas Adams (William Lundigan), has fallen in… More Elia Kazan directed this, one of Hollywood's early attacks on racism, starring Jeanne Crain as Patricia "Pinky" Johnson. Patricia is a light-skinned black woman who is studying nursing at a New England medical institute. A white doctor, Thomas Adams (William Lundigan), has fallen in love with Patricia and wants to marry her, but Patricia refuses his proposal. Convinced their interracial union would never work out, Patricia believes Thomas would never be able to endure the acrimony that would be heaped upon their marriage. Patricia leaves New England to return to her childhood home in the South, where her grandmother (Ethel Waters) works for rich widow Miss Em (Ethel Barrymore). When Miss Em takes ill, Patricia cares for her. Upon Miss Em's death, it is discovered that she has bequeathed her entire estate to Patricia. Miss Em's family disputes the will because Patricia is black, and a courtroom battle ensues over the estate. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Elia Kazan
- Written By
- Dudley Nichols
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Sep 29, 1949 Wide
- On DVD
- Jan 10, 2006
Critic Reviews
-
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Vivid, revealing and emotionally intense.
-
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The results are uneven, though fitfully interesting.
-
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Kazan's liberal tale of a black girl passing as white is rather simple and Jeanne Crain is weak in the lead, but it's worth seeing Zanuck's message picture for the strong acting of the two Oscar-nominated Ethels (Waters and Barrymore).
-
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This is a groundbreaking film despite its absurdly stiff way at looking at how blacks and whites interact.
-
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This is a mature film, with great respect for the humanity of people who are able to transcend social barriers and care for one another.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Jeanne Crain
as Patricia "Pinky" Johnson
-
Ethel Barrymore
as Miss Em
-
Ethel Waters
as Granny Dysey Johnson
-
William Lundigan
as Dr. Thomas Adams
-
Basil Ruysdael
as Judge Walker
-
Kenny Washington
as Dr.Canady
-
Nina Mae McKinney
as Rozelia
-
Griff Barnett
as Dr. Joe McGill
-
Frederick O'Neal
as Jake Walters
-
Evelyn Varden
as Melba Wooley
-
Raymond Greenleaf
as Judge Shoreham
-
Dan Riss
as Stanley
-
William Hansen
as Mr. Goolby
-
Arthur Hunnicutt
as Police Chief
-
Shelby Bacon
as Boy
-
Renee Beard
as Teejore
-
Bert Conway
as Loafer
-
Everett Glass
as Mr. Wooley
-
Jean Innes
as Saleslady
-
Juanita Moore
as Nurse
-
Robert Osterloh
as Policeman
-
Harry Tenbrook
as Townsman
