Bright Road

This is the most beautiful story I've ever seen about a young Black boy in America. I could definitely relate to C.T. Young, who is played by Philip Hepburn. Hepburn really captivates me to no end. I would love very much to have this movie in my collection of favorites. It's Number One. What I especially enjoy about this movie is that it takes place in a schoolhouse setting. Dorothy Dandrige plays the teacher, and she's fabulous. She is a new teacher in the district, and the attention that she gives to pupil C.T. Young is an excellent example of what a teacher should be, which is one who encourages a student, and not discourage a student. She takes her time with C.T. Young and it pays off, because Young is such a beautiful and intelligent young man. Dandride plays a teacher who gives a lot of positive reinforcement to her students. I really really really love this movie. It's a very positive movie, which is quite refreshing.

"Bright Road" is a film that Hollywood decided to present with an almost all black cast, something that was not done often prior to the fifties and the arrival of such stars as Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and the man that would make it all possible for other performers of color: Sidney Poitier! The film is based on a story by a real teacher and Gerald Mayer, the son of Louis B. Mayer, the famous head of MGM, directed with a light touch. Gerald Mayer, who had been romantically linked to the star of the film, used the right approach for this movie.

The story is simple, and yet, it speaks volumes of what a good teacher can do to inspire the young people in her charge. Jane Richards is such a person. She sees the good bottled inside C.T. Young, the rebellious poor boy that, deep inside, is a wonderful young who has had no luck with other teachers in the school, who have made him repeat two years and haven't really seen the potential in him.

Dorothy Dandridge makes a sweet, yet firm Jane Richards. She was a star that could do anything, as proved by her other films, most notably in "Carmen Jones". She was a beautiful presence in this film, who with her positive attitude changes and inspires her students. Harry Belafonte is seen as the Principal in his screen debut. Of course, the film star was Ms. Dandridge, and he had limited chances in which to show how good he was. Philip Hepburn played C.T. Young with conviction for such a small child.

"Bright Road" is a charming film thanks to Ms. Dandridge and the direction of Mr. Mayer.

This is an excellent family movie. It is also an excellent tool for promoting positive black history; how education was and should continue to be today. I would highly recommend that this movie be considered each February during Black History Month. It is a rare movie in which there is no other agenda except wholesome positive self-affirmation. It is also an excellent role model of an example of how teaching should occur - without damaging a child's creative abilities. To say this is an excellent film, is in my opinion, an understatement. It is an excellent slice of a gentler time; a time when a village banded together to shape the development of children. Anyone who is interested in promoting black history will find this an excellent lead in for future media communications. It receives a 10 in my view. If given the opportunity, I would readily purchase it at a reasonable price - and encourage my circle of friends to do the same.

It is no coincidence this movie was written by a seasoned School Teacher. What this award-winning story essentially does - in the unusual context of a Hollywood movie - is to present an "outside-the-box" approach to dealing with the disciplinary and behavioral problems of a young male school student. By tapping into and encouraging the talents and interests of young rambunctious C.T., school teacher Ms. Richards (played by Dorothy Dandridge), is able to show how superficial negative classroom behavior can be evaluated and properly re-channeled to achieve positive results. Where the typical reaction to the student in our school system today by teachers and school administrators is to issue non-rehabilitating disciplinary action or suspension, the constructive approach demonstrated in this movie results in a "win-win" solution for all involved. Not a bad lesson for both our overcrowded and dysfunctional school and judicial systems to learn some 50 years later as they both still routinely devour the C.T.'s of the world without a care to the horrendous social cost-benefits resulting from excessive or unnecessary punitive action.

Harry Belafonte (in his first film role) also stars as the supportive school Principal. In a poignant scene beautifully worked into the story, he premieres one of his original compositions, "Suzanne."

I really enjoyed seeing this "Gem" of a movie the characters were okay but Dandridge was out of sight as a prim and proper teacher. as a former educator, I loved to see her concern for young C.T. and her going beyond the call of duty for poor Tanya. It was a tear-jerker and an inspirational film. Being a minister, I also liked the Sunday School scene and the quips by the P.K.(preacher's Kid)...Lil' Miss Know it all!! I have one just like that Ha Ha Ha!!!Middle kid. Boyd and Lloyd were a scream!!! Belafonte wasn't realistic. But I will give him props this being His debut film. I felt that I wanted to see a sequel what ever happened to C.T. and his eight brothers and sisters? Did he ever get over Tanya? this film was good for its time. Check this one out.