For a film in 1949 to take on this theme, and do it so reasonably well is admirable indeed. Many today don't realise just how ugly racism was during this era and how difficult it was, not only to produce a movie such as this, but also how near impossible it was to get them distributed. Many theatres, shamefully, would simply not run them.
While the first few minutes have a dated feel to the production style, it picks up surprisingly well as it moves into its challenging (and factual) black-passing-for-white story. Some reviewers, perhaps understandably, still get upset because producers were casting white actors to play black (or ethnics) in these early racially-themed films but, they fail to understand that there were not enough well known ethnic performers available. The moviemakers then had the added difficulty of selling the final product - this was never an easy task, with movies being expensive to make, and many cinemas refusing to book them. Things may be different now, but back then, these films simply would not have been made if following 'idealist' notions.
Mell Ferrer is good in his role, playing real life Dr Scott Mason Carter, with a marvellous performance from Richard Hyland as his son (Hyland is sadly little known as he took his own life at age 41) Producer Louis De Rochemont, whose background was in producing news programs - infuses his movie with a 'semi-documentary' approach giving it a more realistic feel. All performances are top flight and the use of every-day looking (un-glamorised) associate cast members helps. Stage actress, Beatrice Pearson is good as the Dr's Wife in her second, of only two movie appearances. Writer, William White's sociological commentary has been thoughtfully adapted for the screen and treats its daring subject with sensitivity and respect - without over-dramatising or sensationalising its controversial subject. William J.Miller's strong B/W cinematography (Teresa'51) has a noir look and feel, adding stark moodiness to the more dramatic situations. Cannes film festival nominee William L. Werker ('He Walked By Night' also '49) earnestly directs.
The image and sound quality of the Warner Archive DVD are thankfully better than some other M.O.D. transfers around and worth buying.
While the first few minutes have a dated feel to the production style, it picks up surprisingly well as it moves into its challenging (and factual) black-passing-for-white story. Some reviewers, perhaps understandably, still get upset because producers were casting white actors to play black (or ethnics) in these early racially-themed films but, they fail to understand that there were not enough well known ethnic performers available. The moviemakers then had the added difficulty of selling the final product - this was never an easy task, with movies being expensive to make, and many cinemas refusing to book them. Things may be different now, but back then, these films simply would not have been made if following 'idealist' notions.
Mell Ferrer is good in his role, playing real life Dr Scott Mason Carter, with a marvellous performance from Richard Hyland as his son (Hyland is sadly little known as he took his own life at age 41) Producer Louis De Rochemont, whose background was in producing news programs - infuses his movie with a 'semi-documentary' approach giving it a more realistic feel. All performances are top flight and the use of every-day looking (un-glamorised) associate cast members helps. Stage actress, Beatrice Pearson is good as the Dr's Wife in her second, of only two movie appearances. Writer, William White's sociological commentary has been thoughtfully adapted for the screen and treats its daring subject with sensitivity and respect - without over-dramatising or sensationalising its controversial subject. William J.Miller's strong B/W cinematography (Teresa'51) has a noir look and feel, adding stark moodiness to the more dramatic situations. Cannes film festival nominee William L. Werker ('He Walked By Night' also '49) earnestly directs.
The image and sound quality of the Warner Archive DVD are thankfully better than some other M.O.D. transfers around and worth buying.