A Patch of Blue (1965)
This is a wonderful movie, starring a great cast of actors: Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, and Wallace Ford, filmed in 1965, at the height of the civil rights movement. "A Patch of Blue" was notable for its budding interracial romance, as such a relationship was still a somewhat controversial theme in many parts of America at that time.
Elizabeth Hartman, in an exquisitely poignant performance for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, plays the part of Selina D'Arcy, an eighteen year old blind girl who lives an isolated and impoverished existence. She lives with her abusive mother, Rose-Ann (Shelley Winters), and her drunken, though somewhat well-meaning, grandfather.
Uneducated, having never gone to school, Selina spends her time stringing beads to earn some money for the family, cleaning up after her mother and grandfather, and being at the receiving end of constant physical abuse and verbal invectives heaped upon her by her mother.
One day, she persuades her grandfather to drop her off at the park, where she proceeds to sit under a tree, stringing her beads. There, she meets a kindly, well-educated business man, Gordon Ralphe (Sidney Poitier), who takes an interest in her and her quick appreciation for any kindness done to her. She responds quickly to Gordon's kindness and he, in turn, is touched by her eager interest in even the most mundane of matters. They continue to meet under that tree as often as possible, and a relationship soon develops.
Under Gordon's tutelage, Selina begins to blossom. Some of her disclosures to him about her life fill him with horror and a determination to do something constructive about it. While he goes about trying to improve her quality of life, their relationship deepens.
Selina, sure that what she feels is love, is less restrained than Gordon about her feelings. Gordon, however, is more interested in resquing her from an abusive home and ensuring she receives a proper education.
Awards
- Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Shelley Winters
