Träumende Lippen

I remember the first time I watched this, I must have been around 14 & it still resonates with me. I'm 60 now & it still brings a tear. I guess I'll always love Sidney Poitier because of this movie. It doesn't make sense because I'm a straight white guy with conservative values. But I'm a human & this movie makes you feel human.

I just watched it on TCM again for probably the 50th time & it still brings out every emotion. I swear I cry every time I watch it & I know I'm going to cry but it's such a great movie. I could tell you how fantastic Poitier is or how Shelley Winters will make you so angry or how much you will fall in love with Elizabeth Hartman but there are others who can tell you that better than me.

I just wanted someone out there who is looking to watch a great movie but has doubts because it's about race relations or it's in black & white instead of color, that to give it a viewing next time it's on TCM. You won't regret it.

If you are kinda sensitive & don't like crying in front of someone, watch it alone. It will be a cry that is worthwhile.

One of my all-time favorites.

10/10

As good a screen performance from Elizabeth Hartman as any you will come across. Innocence, generosity and kindness clashing against prejudice, abuse and ignorance - an all too familiar story, even today. Sidney Poitier isn't too bad either, in fact he's as outstanding as ever. If you have an ounce of compassion left after the numbing effect of this uncaring, selfish and polarising world, then let this film take hold of it and grow it - it will start to reinstate something that has been gradually chiselled away for far too long - hope!

I recently saw "A Patch of Blue" and simply had to comment on it. This beautiful, intelligent, heartbreaking film tells the story of Selina (Elizabeth Hartman), a young blind woman who is isolated from the outside world by her vulgar, abusive mother (Shelley Winters, who won her second Oscar for this role). Selina is naive and rather complacent about her dark, lonely world, until she meets a compassionate businessman named Gordon (the always magnificent Sidney Poitier). Gordon shows Selina exciting experiences in the real world which we normally take for granted, such as pineapple juice and a fun trip to the supermarket. Selina sees Gordon as smart, kind, caring, and tolerant (an important word in the movie), but sadly, all others can see is the fact that Gordon is black. Can love conquer all, or will cold, hard reality plummet these two back to earth? I don't think I've ever seen actors so effortlessly handle material that is normally seen as sentimental and sappy, even though it can and WILL make you cry. What makes the film more tragic today is that Elizabeth Hartman took her own life at the age of just 43. The ending is a true heartbreaker, but it also leaves you with an optimistic feeling for Selina and Gordon's futures. In his autobiography, Sidney Poitier admits that of all his films, "A Patch of Blue" holds a unique and special place in his heart. It touched him that much, and it will do the same for you. Please have some Kleenex handy and let yourself see "A Patch of Blue".

A very well-cast film version of Elizabeth Kata's novel. Jerry Goldsmith's score blends beautifully with the film's poignancy. Outstanding debut by the late Elizabeth Hartman; she is unforgettable as the blind Selina D'Arcy. Poitier is terrific as the insightful Gordon, and Shelley Winters gives a blistering portrayal as Selina's abusive, bigoted mother (Winters won Best Supporting Oscar).

"A Patch of Blue" is a wonderful film which works on at least two levels: a romance and a social commentary. Unlike most romances, it manages to be touching without being melodramatic, and unlike most social commentaries, it subtly makes its points without manipulation or a hidden agenda.

It is the story of how Selina, a blind girl who is verbally and sometimes physically abused by her mother, discovers her independence with the help of a young, black professional, Gordon. Selina's entire life has been spent alone and indoors. She has not learned how to read Braille or how to get around on her own. She basically does not know how to live independently. She meets Gordon in the park one day, and he essentially begins to teach her how to live. A warm and trusting friendship develops. The obvious complication from their relationship is the fact that Selina's mother is a racist, and Selina does not know that Gordon is black.

Both characters are wonderful: Gordon is cautious but intrigued, knowing he is walking on dangerous ground. Selina is comically naive and eager with an unbreakable spirit.

If you get a chance, watch this movie! It is inspiring and is one of those rare films that actually makes you think.