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IMDbPro

Bright Road

  • 1953
  • Tous publics
  • 1h 8m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
869
YOUR RATING
Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road (1953)
Based on the story, See How They Run (The Ladies' Home Journal June 51), and subsequently won that year's Christopher award. The story was written by Mary Elizabeth Vroman, a 4th generation schoolteacher from the British West Indies.
Play trailer2:41
1 Video
23 Photos
DramaMusic

A young teacher helps a troubled student who's fascinated by a caterpillar's metamorphosis. After losing his sister and facing challenges, he proves himself by handling a bee crisis at schoo... Read allA young teacher helps a troubled student who's fascinated by a caterpillar's metamorphosis. After losing his sister and facing challenges, he proves himself by handling a bee crisis at school.A young teacher helps a troubled student who's fascinated by a caterpillar's metamorphosis. After losing his sister and facing challenges, he proves himself by handling a bee crisis at school.

  • Director
    • Gerald Mayer
  • Writers
    • Emmet Lavery
    • Mary Elizabeth Vroman
  • Stars
    • Dorothy Dandridge
    • Philip Hepburn
    • Harry Belafonte
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.7/10
    869
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Gerald Mayer
    • Writers
      • Emmet Lavery
      • Mary Elizabeth Vroman
    • Stars
      • Dorothy Dandridge
      • Philip Hepburn
      • Harry Belafonte
    • 29User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:41
    Trailer

    Photos23

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    Top cast29

    Edit
    Dorothy Dandridge
    Dorothy Dandridge
    • Jane Richards
    Philip Hepburn
    • C.T. Young
    Harry Belafonte
    Harry Belafonte
    • Mr. Williams - School Principal
    Barbara Randolph
    Barbara Randolph
    • Tanya Hamilton
    • (as Barbara Ann Sanders)
    Robert Horton
    Robert Horton
    • Dr. Mitchell
    Maidie Norman
    Maidie Norman
    • Mrs. Hamilton - Tanya's Mother
    Rene Beard
    • Booker T. Jones
    Howard McNeely
    • Boyd
    • (as Howard McNeeley)
    Robert McNeely
    • Lloyd
    • (as Robert McNeeley)
    Patti Marie Ellis
    • Rachel Smith
    Joy Jackson
    • Sarahlene Babcock
    Fred Moultrie
    • Roger
    James Moultrie
    • George
    Carolyn Ann Jackson
    • Mary Louise
    Doris Ake
    • Teacher at Meeting
    • (uncredited)
    Willa Pearl Curtis
    • Mrs. Young
    • (uncredited)
    Vivian Dandridge
    • Miss Nelson
    • (uncredited)
    Marion Darlington
    Marion Darlington
    • Bird Whistling Solo
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Gerald Mayer
    • Writers
      • Emmet Lavery
      • Mary Elizabeth Vroman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews29

    6.7869
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    Featured reviews

    10arifltatem

    A very beautiful and positive story about a young Black boy

    This is the most beautiful story I've ever seen about a young Black boy in America. I could definitely relate to C.T. Young, who is played by Philip Hepburn. Hepburn really captivates me to no end. I would love very much to have this movie in my collection of favorites. It's Number One. What I especially enjoy about this movie is that it takes place in a schoolhouse setting. Dorothy Dandrige plays the teacher, and she's fabulous. She is a new teacher in the district, and the attention that she gives to pupil C.T. Young is an excellent example of what a teacher should be, which is one who encourages a student, and not discourage a student. She takes her time with C.T. Young and it pays off, because Young is such a beautiful and intelligent young man. Dandride plays a teacher who gives a lot of positive reinforcement to her students. I really really really love this movie. It's a very positive movie, which is quite refreshing.
    10movingpicturegal

    Quietly Wonderful

    Dorothy Dandridge as a young teacher, Miss Richards, on her first year of teaching and the relationship she has with a student named C.T. C.T. is from a large, poor family, he's slightly troubled, won't study, arrives late his first day, and just doesn't care about school - yet he is kind, bright, and always seems to have a smile. Now in the fourth grade, he has spent most of his school years flunking and spending two years in each grade. Miss Richards tries to help him and meantime has a small flirtation (yeah, really quite small) with the hunky, guitar-playing, school principal (Harry Belafonte). C.T. has a soft spot in his own heart for his pretty little schoolmate, Tanya, and the two have a sweet little romance with walks home from school hand in hand.

    Well, this film is really a sort of hidden little jewel - how'd I manage to miss it all these years?! They also manage to fit in a few singing spots for Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge, who gives a very sensitive portrayal of the new teacher (with interesting voice-overs of her inner voice speaking to herself). She also looks quite lovely in plain make-up and clothing. A special and different film.
    10gandywilson

    Excellent Family entertainment and positive black history

    This is an excellent family movie. It is also an excellent tool for promoting positive black history; how education was and should continue to be today. I would highly recommend that this movie be considered each February during Black History Month. It is a rare movie in which there is no other agenda except wholesome positive self-affirmation. It is also an excellent role model of an example of how teaching should occur - without damaging a child's creative abilities. To say this is an excellent film, is in my opinion, an understatement. It is an excellent slice of a gentler time; a time when a village banded together to shape the development of children. Anyone who is interested in promoting black history will find this an excellent lead in for future media communications. It receives a 10 in my view. If given the opportunity, I would readily purchase it at a reasonable price - and encourage my circle of friends to do the same.
    9msladysoul

    A movie every teacher should see!

    This was really a good movie. I wish there was a sequel. I wish more teachers were like Dorothy Dandridge's character. Obviously we have many problem children now and we need more understanding teachers who are willing to have a heart, instead of just going to earn a paycheck and bark out orders and schoolwork. No wonder we have so many angry children who grow up to be angry adults, they get no love at home nor at school. I feel if you want to be a teacher, you got to realize you're more then a teacher, you got to be a parent too. You got to find a special gift, hobby, or talent in a problem child and make that child feel special and in that way, that'll help them be better in other activities and schoolwork.

    Everyone in this movie touched my heart, especially the children, for kids who never acted before they were so natural and believable. In those days work for black children in movies was rare so I'm not surprised most of the black children in the movie didn't appear in any other films but I want them to know their appreciated for their appearances and I hope some of them will post on this forum to let us know what became of them.

    The girl who played Tanya (Barbara Ann Sanders) had such a sweet face and tears came to my eyes when she died. I can't help but think what could have became of all these children if their were acting opportunities for black children. The boy who played C.T. (Phillip Hepburn) was amazing and his acting was so believable. Even in today's era there are many boys just like C.T. who are misunderstood and just need extra tender, loving, and care.

    I noticed many black dancers/actresses who had been in Hollywood films as dancers and maids for years in this film, that weren't credited but had small parts, such as, Louise Franklin, Doris Ake, Jeni LeGon, Vivian Dandridge, Dorothy's sister. Maidie Norman was wonderful as Tanya's mother. All these black actresses didn't have the fair chance to really shine in films. They were left out because of Hollywood not wanting to give too many black women a chance in films. Lena Horne and Dorothy got a chance, but even they struggled.

    Last but not least, Dorothy was wonderful as a caring teacher who won't give up on C.T. Dorothy is very pretty but not overly glamorous, she's very believable as a teacher.

    See this movie if you get a chance, with all the junk out today, you can spare 66 minutes to see an inspirational film about not giving up on anyone. Sometimes people will be a problem just to test you to see if you really care. There's a scene where C.T. shows he really knows the answers to his math but he won't reveal he's really smart to the teacher. He wants her to show she cares first.

    If you like this film, you will love "Take A Giant Step" starring Johnny Nash and Ruby Dee, made in 1959 or 1960. After seeing "Bright Road," I feel "Take A Giant Step" might have been a sequel to this movie. Take A Giant Step is about a troubled teenage black boy trying to find acceptance and his place in a unfair world. It's very good. Johnny Nash even resembled what an older C.T. might have looked like. There's an actress in the film who the teenage boy is in awe of and I think because he reminds her of Tanya, but that's just my take.

    Anyways, you'll love both films. Why don't they make films like these anymore?
    8princecharmin107

    Great Movie

    I just seen this movie and although this can not compare to the dynamic duo performance of Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte performance in Carmen Jones, this was indeed a great family film with a powerful message. What is most important is that this movie showcases black actor and actress that are educated and didn't talk with nonsense like actors Stephen Fitchit and the ignorant Amos and Andy and Beulah Show. Dorothy and Harry really stood out in this movie, but we all know what she is remembered for.This movie dealt with real situations, even though it seems a little watered down at times , this movie is truly special and should receive a lot more recognition.This movie should be on everyone's to watch list.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Film debut of Harry Belafonte.
    • Goofs
      When C.T. and Tanya are walking down the road singing, (just after the encounter with the bird,) a thin thread is visible in the sunlight, leading away from C.T.'s right hip. His hand stays at his hip over the source. The thread is acting as a leash to keep C.T.'s dog close to the children.
    • Quotes

      Jane Richards: Oh yes, I want to thank you for that lovely gift.

      School Principal: Oh, I'm glad you liked it. You know I was afraid you might have thought it was a bit too

      [pause]

      School Principal: too...

      [pause]

      Jane Richards: Too gay? No, I like to be gay once in a while!

      School Principal: Well that's uh,

      [pause]

      School Principal: that's fine, just fine.

    • Connections
      Featured in Biography: Dorothy Dandridge: Little Girl Lost (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Church in the Wildwood
      (uncredited)

      Sung by Dorothy Dandridge

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    FAQ15

    • How long is Bright Road?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 17, 1953 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • La esencia de la vida
    • Filming locations
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Loew's
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 8m(68 min)
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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