The Learning Tree (1969): A Landmark in American Cinema

Gordon Parks's The Learning Tree, released in 1969, stands as a pivotal work in American film history. It was the first major Hollywood studio film directed by an African American, marking a significant breakthrough in an industry long sealed off by discrimination. Parks not only directed but also wrote the screenplay, produced, and composed the score, showcasing his multifaceted talent. The film is an adaptation of his semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, published in 1963.

Genesis of a Groundbreaking Film

The path to The Learning Tree began long before 1969. Gordon Parks had already established himself as a prominent photographer, author, and composer. In 1940, he started a portrait business in Chicago, supplementing his income with street photography. His talent quickly led him to a position with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) in Washington, D.C., in 1942, where he photographed the Tuskegee Airmen. He later moved to New York, working as a freelance photographer for magazines like Glamour and Vogue. His photo-essay on a Harlem gangster in 1948 led to a groundbreaking 24-year career at Life magazine, where he captured iconic images of the 20th century.

Parks's foray into filmmaking was encouraged by John Cassavetes, who believed The Learning Tree would translate well to the screen if Parks himself directed it. Cassavetes facilitated a meeting between Parks and Kenny Hyman, the head of production at Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, ultimately leading to Parks being offered the opportunity to direct, adapt the screenplay, and compose the score.

The Source Material: A Novel Rooted in Personal Experience

Published in 1963, The Learning Tree is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in 1920s Kansas. The novel follows Newt Winger, a Black teenage descendant of Exodusters, as he navigates the challenges and injustices of systemic racism in a rural community. The title originates from advice Parks received from his mother, cautioning him that "some of the people are good and some of them are bad-just like the fruit on a tree."

Parks created a series of color photographs in 1963 to accompany the book's narrative. These images, with their blend of idyllic and menacing tones, mirror the novel's conflicted narrative. A selection of these photographs appeared in the August 16, 1963, issue of Life magazine, under the title "How It Feels To Be Black," alongside excerpts from the book.

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From Page to Screen: Adapting the Novel

Parks adapted his novel into a film, underscoring its deeply personal significance. The film, released in August 1969, retains the core themes and plot of the book, with minor adjustments for pacing and character focus. The script for the film did not deviate much from the book, except for featuring fewer characters for the sake of running time.

Synopsis: A Young Man's Journey in a Divided World

Set in 1920s Kansas, The Learning Tree tells the story of Newt Winger, a young African-American boy growing up in a racially segregated society. The film chronicles his journey into manhood, marked by both joy and tragedy. Newt and his friends steal apples from Jake Kiner's orchard, leading to a confrontation in which Marcus Savage assaults Jake. While Marcus is in jail, Newt begins working for Jake to compensate for the incident and starts a relationship with Arcella Jefferson. However, their relationship is shattered when Chauncey Cavanaugh, a white boy, impregnates Arcella, leading her to leave town in shame.

Later, Newt witnesses Booker Savage, Marcus's father, murdering Jake Kiner. Encouraged by his mother, Sarah, Newt testifies in court, leading to Booker's suicide. Marcus, seeking revenge, attempts to kill Newt but is shot by the sheriff and dies.

Themes of the Film

The Learning Tree explores various themes, including:

Racism and prejudice: The film vividly depicts the racial discrimination faced by African Americans in 1920s Kansas.
Justice and morality: Newt grapples with moral dilemmas and must decide whether to stand up for justice, even if it means betraying his community.
Coming of age: The film portrays the challenges and experiences that shape Newt's transition from boyhood to manhood.
The impact of environment: The film shows how the social and economic environment influences the lives and choices of the characters.

Contrasting Paths: Newt Winger vs. Marcus Savage

The film juxtaposes the lives of Newt Winger and Marcus Savage, two young Black men navigating a white-dominated society. Newt strives to uphold moral values and seeks to resolve conflicts peacefully. He attempts to atone for stealing from Jake Kiner, protects Arcella, and ultimately testifies in the Kiner murder trial despite the potential repercussions for the Black community.

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In contrast, Marcus resorts to violence in response to racial injustice. His strained relationship with his father contributes to his volatile nature. The Learning Tree juxtaposes the lives of Newt Winger and Marcus Savage, two former friends that are trying to find themselves in a white-dominated Midwestern society.

Production and Style

The Learning Tree was filmed in Fort Scott, Kansas, where Parks grew up, lending authenticity to the setting. Cinematographer Burnett Guffey captured the look and feel of a classic Hollywood film while maintaining a naturalistic style. The film blends nostalgia with clear-eyed social commentary. Kyle Johnson recalls that when production began there was a circus in town. As a result, the circus scene in the film features an actual circus rather than a staged one.

Reception and Legacy

While The Learning Tree was not a major commercial success, it was a landmark achievement. It has been recognized for its historical and cultural significance, being selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1989. The film is a major motion picture with an independent spirit that explores complex social and racial issues in ways that continue to resonate.

Parks's work on The Learning Tree paved the way for other Black filmmakers. He followed it with Shaft in 1971, a groundbreaking Blaxploitation film. The film has influenced a generation of filmmakers, including Ava DuVernay, Spike Lee, and Julie Dash.

The Criterion Collection Release

The Criterion Collection has reissued The Learning Tree, further cementing its importance in film history. The release includes several features that provide insight into the making of the movie and Parks's other work, including "Diary of a Harlem Family" and "The World of Piri Thomas.”

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