DCSIMG
 
 

Pinky (1949)

Pinky (1949)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
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

 Read More


Starring:
Jeanne Crain, Ethel Barrymore, (more)
Director(s):
Elia Kazan
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Pinky

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

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
101 mins

Complete Cast of Pinky


Director(s):
Elia Kazan
Writer(s):
Dudley Nichols, Philip Dunne
Producer(s):
Darryl F. Zanuck
Pinky Awards:
  • 1949 - Film Daily - 10 Best Films
  • 1949 - New York Times - 10 Best Films
Looking for special editions of Pinky?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 
Buy New  $10.99
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (12)
     
    Franciene G.

    Making the movie was a bold move for the movie studio in 1949. It was unfortunate that they choose a white actress, Jeanne Crain to play the role of Pinky. Especially since there were numerous very fair black actresses who could have easily "passed" in that movie. But I guess it would have meant that William Lundigan would kissed a "colored" women on screen. Certainly that was too much to ask of audiences in 1949. Afterall, movie theaters were segrated at that time. The movie is much more compelling when you listen to the special features narration which provides all the background information. And the narrator is very critical. It will probably be difficult for some to watch, both white and afro american because of the demoralizing treatment of blacks during that time. But let's face it...it happened and in more covert ways still happens today. I would encourage anyone to view this who want to do so for historical puposes....that is from a movie making point of view.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Shelia G.

    I understand that this is an issue that most people don't like to address but I thought it was well delivered especially for such a dated movie. It really hit home for myself because I am from a family that is constantly mistaken for being white including myself. I thought the realistic view about Pinky passing for white to have a "better" life was great because I know people right now that do it because for them being black doesn't bring them the advantages they think they deserve. It's easy to criticize and say what we think we'd do in Pinky's position but if given the same opportunity, we really don't know. I am proud of what I am but this isn't the 40's or 50's either. I think anyone whose heritage is remotely close to Pinky's should watch this movie because it teaches us all a little more about ourselves and what choices we may make.

    Yes   |   No

     
    John T.

    When you think you know the outcome, it reveals how truth is stranger than fiction. No doubt that this actually could have happened. Pinky had an easy choice, but she took on a challenge, lead by the great Ethel Barrymore. The apple didn't fall far, from this secret family tree.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 12 Reviews
       

      Rating Systems

       

      Blockbuster

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      Email Exclusives

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
        2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation.   2013 Rovi Corporation.