The Learning Tree: A Comprehensive Overview of the Cast and Crew
"The Learning Tree" is a 1969 American coming-of-age film based on Gordon Parks' 1963 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. Parks not only penned the screenplay but also directed, produced, and composed the music for the film. Set in Cherokee Flats, Kansas, during the 1920s, the film chronicles the life of Newt Winger, a young African-American teenager, as he navigates the complexities of love, fear, racial injustice, and morality on his journey to manhood.
Production Team
The film boasts a talented production team, led by:
- Director: Gordon Parks
- Writers: Gordon Parks (based on his novel), Genevieve Young (story consultant)
- Producers: Gordon Parks, Jimmy Lydon (associate producer), William Conrad (executive producer - uncredited)
- Composer: Gordon Parks
- Cinematographer: Burnett Guffey
- Editor: George R. Rohrs
- Production Designer: Edward D. Engoron
- Art Director: Edward D. Engoron
- Set Decorator: Joanne MacDougall
- Makeup Department: George Bau (makeup artist), Gordon Bau (makeup supervision), Jean Burt Reilly (supervising hairstylist), Elizabeth Searcy (hair stylist - rumored)
- Production Management: Russell Llewellyn (unit manager)
- Second Unit Directors or Assistant Directors: Jack Aldworth (first assistant director), Fred Giles (second assistant director)
- Art Department: Fred Collins (construction coordinator), Ray Mercer Jr. (props), Lou Sluskin (props), John Solie (sketch artist), Frank L. Brown (set dresser - uncredited)
- Sound Department: Jules Bouyere (cable), George Hause (sound recordist), Robert J. Miller (mixer), Eugene O'Brien (boom operator), Joel Cox (sound assistant - uncredited)
- Visual Effects: Albert Whitlock (special photographic effects)
- Camera and Electrical Department: Don Cady (best boy), Alfred Cline (camera operator), Owen Crompton (grip), Gibby Germaine (electric gaffer), Bill Krattiger (electrician), Eugene Lenoir (camera assistant), Jack Morrow (camera assistant), Joseph M. Wilcots (camera assistant), Gordon Parks Jr. (assistant camera - uncredited / still photographer - uncredited)
- Costume and Wardrobe Department: Rose Brandi (costumer), Wayne Reed (costumer), Ermon Sessions (costumer), Janet Strong (costumer)
- Editorial Department: Ralph H. Martin
Cast of Characters
The cast of "The Learning Tree" brings to life a diverse array of characters, each contributing to the film's rich tapestry of life in 1920s Kansas. The main cast includes:
- Kyle Johnson as Newt Winger, the protagonist, a 14-year-old black teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence and racial prejudice.
- Alex Clarke as Marcus Savage, Newt's friend, whose quick temper and troubled family life lead him down a different path.
- Estelle Evans as Sarah, Newt's mother, a respected figure in the community who works for Judge Cavanaugh.
- Dana Elcar as Kirky, the racist sheriff.
- Mira Waters as Arcella Jefferson, Newt's love interest, who faces a tragic turn of events.
- Joel Fluellen as Uncle Rob.
- Malcolm Atterbury as Silas Newhall.
- Richard Ward as Booker Savage, Marcus's illiterate and troubled father.
- Russell Thorson as Judge Cavanaugh.
- Peggy Rea as Miss McClintock.
- Carole Lamond as Big Mabel.
- Kevin Hagen as Doc Tim Cravens.
- Jimmy Rushing as Chappie Logan.
- Dub Taylor as Spikey.
- Felix Nelson as Jack Winger.
- George Mitchell as Jake Kiner, the owner of an orchard who becomes a victim of violence.
- S. Pearl Sharp as Prissy.
- Steven Perry as Jappy.
- Don Dubbins as Harley Davis, Defense Attorney.
- Jon Lormer as McCormack.
- Morgan Sterne as Mr. Hall.
- Thomas Anderson as Pastor Broadnap.
- Phillip Roye as Pete Winger.
- Hope Summers as Mrs. Kiner.
- Carter Vinnegar as Seansy.
- Bobby Goss as Skunk.
Other cast members include Zooey Hall as Chauncey Cavanaugh (uncredited), Lynn Hamilton as Funeral Attendee (uncredited), Alfred Jones as Cap'n Tuck (uncredited), and Tony Teebo as Farm Boy (uncredited).
Plot Overview
The film opens with a scene of Newt Winger caught in a tornado, foreshadowing the storms of life he is about to face. Newt's journey is marked by several key events: stealing apples with friends from Jake Kiner's orchard, leading to a confrontation and Marcus's arrest; Newt's subsequent work for Jake to atone for their actions; his budding romance with Arcella Jefferson, which is tragically cut short; and his witnessing of Jake's murder by Booker Savage. The film culminates in Newt's courageous decision to testify in court, which leads to Booker's suicide and a final confrontation with Marcus.
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Themes and Significance
"The Learning Tree" explores several important themes, including racial prejudice, the search for identity, and the struggle to maintain morality in a corrupt world. The film juxtaposes the lives of Newt and Marcus, representing two different responses to racial injustice: Newt's adherence to morals and Marcus's retaliation with violence.
The film is significant for being the first major studio film directed by an African-American director. Parks's personal connection to the story, drawn from his own childhood experiences in Kansas, lends the film a sense of authenticity and sincerity. The film captures the nuances of racism in a Midwestern community and the challenges faced by African-Americans in the early 20th century.
Reception
"The Learning Tree" was well-received for its realistic portrayal of racial issues and its beautiful cinematography. Some critics noted that the film's script and pacing could be improved, but overall, the film was praised for its sincerity and its groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking.
Roger Ebert described the film as a "big score" for Gordon Parks.
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