The read
A Balasaur Score of 83 out of 100, drawn from IMDb 8/10, Rotten Tomatoes 94%. Critics rate it 14 points higher than audiences do. Scores higher than 89% of the 412 1940s drama movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
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.
Ratings
IMDb8/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Critics rate it 14 points higher than audiences do.
110 audience votes
Key crew
- Elia KazanDirector
- Alfred NewmanOriginal Music Composer
- Tess SlesingerScreenplay
- Frank DavisScreenplay
Cast
- Dorothy McGuireKatie Nolan
- Joan BlondellAunt Sissy
- James DunnJohnny Nolan
- Lloyd NolanOfficer McShane
- James GleasonMcGarrity
- Ted DonaldsonNeeley Nolan
- Peggy Ann GarnerFrancie Nolan
- Ruth NelsonMiss McDonough
- John AlexanderSteve Edwards
- B.S. PullyChristmas Tree Vendor
- Ferike BorosGrandmother (uncredited)
- Virginia BrissacMiss Tilford (uncredited)
Themes
new york citybased on novel or booktreeirish-americanalcoholismpovertyblack and whitetenementfamilybrooklyn, new york citynostalgic1910s