Bright Road

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Aldo G Harry Belafonte's movie debut and Dorothy Dandridge's lead role are overshadowed by a 13 year old actor named Philip Hepburn. It's too bad that he'd only act three more times (according to imdb) and there's very little information on-line about him. The film is simplistic but deep in its good intentions. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/19/24 Full Review Audience Member I was certainly pulling for this one, but it quickly became a chore to sit through, even at its 68 minute run time. Its heart is in the right place, and it provides a good role model in showing these African-American kids at school, just as squeaky clean as Beaver Cleaver, but it's very simple, and sickly, syrupy sweet. I confess I watched it out of loyalty to Dorothy Dandridge, but the real highlight was Harry Belafonte singing "Suzanne (Ev'ry Night When the Sun Goes Down)" simply beautifully. This was his first film, and it interesting that his second would also be with Dandridge, and in the decidedly more saucy film 'Carmen Jones'. There are moments when 'Bright Road' asks some interesting questions (What color is God? If all men are brothers, why don't white people and black people behave that way towards one another?, etc), and I appreciated it showing how a troubled boy just needed some encouragement, but it's all done under wooden, sunny pretenses, and nothing about it seems authentic. The film has religious overtones as well, though it was interesting to see the kids recite the Pledge of Allegiance in 1953, because the words "Under God" would not be added to the Pledge until the following year. I wish I could give it a higher rating out of sympathy. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Very good movie with a good cast to have been made so long ago. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member directed by LB Mayer's nephew who skillfully crafts a story about a teacher Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Bright Road

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