Jeanne Crain and Ethel Waters
Although I would have liked it if Lena Horne (who campaigned for the role) was given the chance to play the lead, I understand why 20th Century Fox went with Jeanne Crain instead. Money talks and Crain was one of the studio's biggest stars at the time. Also, it was 1949 and a majority of moviegoers weren't ready for a film that featured love scenes between a black actress and a white actor. Having said that, Crain does a fine job as Pinky (earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress). Along with being believable, Crain also demonstrates fearlessness and dignity in the title role. Also earning Oscar noms were two Ethels (Waters as Pinky's wise grandmother and Barrymore as a sickly rich woman who is cared for by Pinky). In addition to these three, the cast is solid throughout. Some of the standouts include Frederick O'Neal as a shady character who lives near Pinky and her grandmother, Evelyn Varden as a racist relative of Barrymore's character, and Dan Riss as an attorney.
Although I've seen Pinky numerous times, I am really looking forward to checking it out again because it's been several years. If you've already seen Pinky or plan to watch it Wednesday night, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Below is the opening scene of Pinky.
9 comments:
I loved this movie. It was a joy to see the two Ethel's together and in great form :-) I am a sucker for a happy ending so I was estatic when Pinky won out in court. You had told me that TMC had this film several years ago and I would have missed it had you not kept me abreast. Thanks again.
Pjazzy: I am glad to hear that "Pinky" lived up to its hype in your eyes. A lot of times, a movie can get built up and leave us disappointed when we finally see it.
I liked the happy ending too (esp. what Pinky decided to do with the house).
I watched half this movie today and it wasn't until the incident in the store that I realized that Crain was actually playing the part of a black woman which I thought was a great concept. My question is, do we know from the beginning of the film that she is black? Just curious.
Anon: Thanks for visiting. I am sorry that you only caught part of "Pinky". In answer to your question, it is mentioned at the beginning is black. If you haven't already, check out the clip I embedded with this post. In it, Pinky's grandmother chides her because she passed for white when she went up North to school.
Although TCM will likely be showing it again, you can check it out on You Tube. Below is the link to part 1. You can access the rest of the movie by clicking the appropriate links in the sidebar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L38kQSpvPg8
Having never even heard of this movie, the names Ethel Waters and Ethel Barrymore stood out for me enough for me to watch it. I love it...It has been a long time since I watched a black and white film. I really do not like the fact they used a white woman to play the part of a half black woman...although possible to be that dang light...I do not agree..I understand just don't agree.
Anon: Thanks for visiting. I think "Pinky" is a movie that is worth remaking. If it ever is remade, it'll be interesting to see which actress is cast in the lead role. Because times have changed drastically since the original, the producers of a remake couldn't use the "moviegoers aren't ready for love scenes between a black actress and white actor" excuse.
Pinky was a controversial movie, and was even banned by the city of Marshall, Texas.
Dink Peck
http://www.tcm.org/directory/category/tcm-schools/united-states
I distinctly remember seeing Pinky in 1949 with my cousin and best friend also called Pinky. I am looking forward to seeing it again in February, but sadly my cousin has passed away, and will be with me only in spirit. The movie had an enormous impact on me, I loved it and have never forgotten the lesson.
Anon #2: Thanks for commenting. I'm sorry to hear about your cousin.
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