A Patch of Blue
US (1965): Drama
Shelley Winters won an Academy Award for her searing performance in this film. The star, however, is not Winters but Elizabeth Hartman, cast as Winters' blind, sensitive daughter. A venomous prostitute, Winters treats both Hartman and grandfather Wallace Ford like dirt. Ford, aware that Winters was responsible for Hartman's blindness, tries to find a way out of the destructive relationship. That way is provided by Sidney Poitier, who befriends Hartman and tries to open up doors for her previously closed by the selfish Winters. Despite the objections of the bigoted Winters and of Poitier's brother Ivan Dixon, a bond stronger than physical love is forged between Poitier and Hartman. Brilliantly avoiding gooey sentiment throughout, A Patch of Blue was adapted for the screen by director Guy Green, from the novel Be Ready with Bells and Drums (1963, paperback) by Elizabeth Kata. (Filmways-MGM) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
5 nominations, 1 Award
· Supporting Actress 1965: Shelley Winters
· Actress 1965: Elizabeth Hartman
· Art Direction/Set Decoration (Black and White) 1965: George W. Davis & Urie McCleary - Art Direction, Henry Grace & Charles S. Thompson - Set Decoration
· Cinematography (Black and White) 1965: Robert Burks
· Music Scoring Awards (Music Score substantially original) 1965: Jerry Goldsmith