Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Seen it?

1945 | 128 min | Drama

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved East of Eden, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 8 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1945: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In Brooklyn circa 1900, the Nolans manage to enjoy life on pennies despite great poverty and Papa's alcoholism. We come to know these people well through big and little troubles: Aunt Sissy's scandalous succession of "husbands"; the removal of the one tree visible from their tenement; and young Francie's desire to transfer to a better school...if irresponsible Papa can get his act together.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Supporting Actor. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 40K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Elia Kazan

  • Dorothy McGuireKatie Nolan
  • Joan BlondellAunt Sissy
  • James DunnJohnny Nolan
  • Lloyd NolanOfficer McShane
  • James GleasonMcGarrity
  • Ted DonaldsonNeeley Nolan
  • Peggy Ann GarnerFrancie Nolan
  • Ruth NelsonMiss McDonough
  • John AlexanderSteve Edwards
  • B.S. PullyChristmas Tree Vendor