A Patch of Blue 1965
Directed by
Guy Green
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Selina D’Arcey is a blind young girl navigating life in a cramped city apartment alongside her harsh and foul-mouthed mother, Rose-Ann, a prostitute, and her grandfather Ole Pa, who struggles with alcoholism. To help her family make ends meet, Selina spends her days stringing beads and performing household chores. Sadly, her mother’s abusive nature and her grandfather’s addiction mean that Selina often feels isolated, without friends and devoid of formal education.
One day, Selina persuades her grandfather to take her to the park, where she crosses paths with Gordon Ralfe, a gentle and educated black man who works late hours at an office. Their friendship blossoms, with the two meeting nearly every day. Gordon learns of Selina’s tragic past, including the traumatic event when she was blinded at five years old due to her mother’s violent outburst, where she threw chemicals at her husband, and a subsequent assault by one of her mother’s friends.
As the story unfolds, Sadie, Rose-Ann’s friend, also a prostitute, sees an opportunity to exploit Selina for their gain. Together, Rose-Ann and Sadie hatch a plan to abandon Ole Pa, relocate to a nicer apartment, and force Selina into prostitution.
Amidst this turmoil, Gordon reaches out to a school for the blind, eager to secure Selina a place there. When Rose-Ann steps out, Selina escapes to the park to confide in Gordon about her dire circumstances. He reassures her that she will soon depart for school. When Rose-Ann discovers Selina is missing, she confronts Gordon at the park. In a bold move, Gordon takes Selina away, with Ole Pa hindering Rose-Ann’s attempts to pursue them, asserting that Selina is no longer a child.
During her time at Gordon’s home, Selina expresses her desire to marry him. However, Gordon gently explains that love can manifest in various forms, suggesting their relationship may not be meant to last. Despite her insistence that she loves him and that his race is irrelevant to her, he advises her to broaden her horizons and wait a year before making any decisions about their future together. Just as a bus arrives to transport Selina to her new school, they share a poignant farewell, symbolized by the cherished music box Gordon lends her, which originally belonged to his grandmother. In a touching moment, he attempts to rush after her when she forgets the gift, but misses the bus, returning to his empty apartment, filled with a mix of hope and heartache.
Timeline
Selina's Home Life
Selina D'Arcey, a blind young girl, lives in a cramped city apartment with her harsh mother, Rose-Ann, who works as a prostitute, and her grandfather, Ole Pa, an alcoholic. The atmosphere is tense as Selina copes with her mother's foul-mouthed outbursts and lacks the support of friends or formal education, often feeling isolated from the outside world.
Daily Struggles
To help make ends meet for her family, Selina spends her days stringing beads and carrying out household chores. Her responsibilities in the home grow more burdensome as she manages both the care of her mother and grandfather, further highlighting her challenging upbringing.
Day at the Park
One day, Selina convinces her grandfather to take her to the park, where her life takes a turn when she meets Gordon Ralfe. Gordon, a kind and educated black man, works late hours and their friendship begins to form as they connect on a deeper level.
A Deepening Friendship
As Selina and Gordon continue to meet nearly every day, he learns about her tragic past. She shares the traumatic event that caused her blindness at the age of five, an explosion of rage from her mother, which forever altered her life.
Her Mother's Manipulations
Meanwhile, Rose-Ann's friend Sadie sees an opportunity in Selina's vulnerability. Together, they plot to abandon Ole Pa and relocate to a better apartment, intending to force Selina into prostitution to support their selfish desires.
Gordon's Initiative
Concerned for Selina's future, Gordon reaches out to a school for the blind, eager to secure her a position there. He envisions a brighter path for Selina, away from the toxic environment created by her mother and Sadie.
Confiding in Gordon
When Rose-Ann steps out, Selina escapes to the park to confide in Gordon about her dire circumstances. She reveals her fears regarding her mother's plans and seeks solace in their friendship, wishing for a way out of her bleak situation.
The Confrontation
Rose-Ann soon discovers Selina's absence and confronts Gordon, demanding to know where her daughter is. In a decisive moment, Gordon asserts that Selina is no longer a child and takes her away, marking a significant step towards her independence.
Life at Gordon's Home
During her stay at Gordon's home, Selina expresses her wish to marry him, showing her deep affection. Gordon gently explains that love can take many forms and that they may not be meant to be together romantically at this time.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As the day comes for Selina to leave for her new school, the two share a poignant farewell. Gordon gifts Selina a cherished music box, symbolizing both his affection and the hope he holds for her future.
Missed Connections
Just as Selina is about to board the bus for her new school, she almost forgets the music box. Gordon attempts to rush after her but misses the bus, illustrating their poignant connection and the bittersweet nature of their parting.
Gordon's Mixed Emotions
Returning to his empty apartment, Gordon is filled with a mix of hope and heartache. While he wishes for Selina's success and happiness in her new life, he is left grappling with the reality of their separation and what the future holds.
Characters
Selina D'Arcey
Selina is a blind young girl who faces immense challenges due to her mother's harsh nature and her grandfather's alcoholism. Despite her difficult living conditions, she exhibits resilience and a strong desire for connection, seeking solace and love in her interactions with Gordon. Her innocence and courage shine through as she navigates the complexities of her world.
Gordon Ralfe (Sidney Poitier)
Gordon Ralfe is a gentle and educated black man who befriends Selina, providing her with affection and hope in her bleak life. His character embodies compassion and the desire for social change, as he actively seeks to improve Selina's circumstances. Despite facing societal prejudices himself, he maintains a sense of dignity and purpose, highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy.
Rose-Ann (Shelley Winters)
Rose-Ann is Selina's abusive mother, characterized by her foul temperament and struggle with being a prostitute. Her harsh demeanor creates an oppressive environment for Selina, exacerbating her daughter's loneliness and trauma. Despite her difficult circumstances, Rose-Ann represents the darker aspects of motherhood under socio-economic pressures.
Ole Pa (Wallace Ford)
Ole Pa is Selina's grandfather, struggling with alcoholism and contributing to the family's chaotic living conditions. His character adds complexity to the family dynamics, portraying someone who, despite his flaws, wishes to care for Selina. Ole Pa's presence illustrates the layers of sorrow, addiction, and familial loyalty within the story.
Setting
Time period
The narrative unfolds in a contemporary urban setting, highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in society. The social issues depicted, such as poverty and systemic prejudice, resonate with the struggles of many during the mid-20th century, although a specific time period is not explicitly defined.
Location
city apartment, park
The movie primarily takes place in a cramped city apartment, characterized by its oppressive atmosphere, reflecting the difficult circumstances of Selina's life with her mother and grandfather. The park serves as a contrast to this environment, a place of escape and blossoming friendship for Selina and Gordon, where they can find moments of peace and connection amidst their struggles.
Themes
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Isolation
Isolation is a central theme in 'A Patch of Blue,' as Selina navigates her life without support or companionship due to her harsh home environment and blindness. Her friendship with Gordon introduces a glimmer of hope, contrasting her previously lonely existence. The theme explores the need for connection and understanding as Selina grapples with her circumstances.
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Forbidden Love
The theme of forbidden love plays out through Selina's affection for Gordon, which challenges societal norms related to race and socioeconomic status. Their relationship represents a pure and innocent bond amidst their struggles, yet Gordon's caution underscores the complexities and potential consequences of their feelings. It highlights the societal barriers that can hinder genuine connections.
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Hope
Hope is a recurring theme as Gordon strives to change Selina's life for the better by seeking a place for her at a school for the blind. Despite the grim reality of Selina’s home life, her dream of education and a brighter future represents resilience and the possibility of change. Their bond encapsulates the transformative power of compassion and friendship.
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