Johnny Belinda (1948 movie)
| Johnny Belinda | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster
|
|
| Directed by | Jean Negulesco |
| Produced by | Jerry Wald |
| Screenplay by | Allen Vincent Irma von Cube |
| Based on |
Johnny Belinda 1940 play by Elmer Blaney Harris |
| Starring |
Jane Wyman Lew Ayres Charles Bickford Agnes Moorehead |
| Music by | Max Steiner |
| Cinematography | Ted McCord |
| Edited by | David Weisbart |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
|
Release date
|
|
|
Running time
|
102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $4.1 million (US/ Canada rentals) |
Johnny Belinda is a 1948 American drama film based on the 1940 Broadway stage hit of the same name, by Elmer Blaney Harris. The play was adapted for the screen by writers Allen Vincent and Irma von Cube, and directed by Jean Negulesco.
The story is based on an actual incident that happened near Harris's summer residence in Fortune Bridge, Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island. The title character is based on the real-life Lydia Dingwell (1852–1931), of Dingwells Mills, Prince Edward Island. The film dramatizes the consequences of spreading lies and rumors, and the horror of rape. The latter subject had previously been prohibited by the Motion Picture Production Code. Johnny Belinda is widely considered to be the first Hollywood film for which the restriction was relaxed, and as such was controversial at the time of its initial release.
The film stars Jane Wyman, Lew Ayres, Charles Bickford, Agnes Moorehead, Stephen McNally, and Jan Sterling. Wyman's performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
It was filmed on location in Fort Bragg, California.
The film is the story of a deaf-mute young woman, Belinda MacDonald (Jane Wyman), who is befriended by the new doctor, Dr. Robert Richardson (Lew Ayres), who comes to Cape Breton Island on the east coast of Canada. The doctor realizes that, although she cannot hear or speak, Belinda is very intelligent. She lives on a farm with her father, Black Mac Donald (Charles Bickford), and her aunt, Aggie MacDonald (Agnes Moorehead), wears plain work clothes, rarely goes into town, and only once to church. The family sells farm goods to the nearby town, mainly flour. Her father and aunt called Belinda "Dummy" and resent her because her mother died giving birth to her. Dr. Richardson teaches Belinda sign language and the signs for many common things and ideas. Over time, his affection for her grows. He buys her a pretty dress and encourages her father to take her to town and church.
...
Wikipedia