As I recall (I've only seen this once), this made-for-TV adaptation was somewhat more faithful to Betty Smith's novel than Elia Kazan's film. Comparing the two is somewhat unfair (different times, dissimilar budgets, etc.), and both fall somewhat short when compared to the novel, which is excruciatingly detailed (and therein lies its great narrative strength). I'd like to see this again to determine if it's as good as I remember (I found all of the performances very moving), but I haven't seen it in 20-odd years. Don't hesitate to give it a shot if the chance presents itself, especially if you've read the novel. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
7 Reviews
Not the Classic Verson
pastier-110 July 2005
TianshingI may be confusing this 1974 made for television version with the superb 1945 original directed by Elia Kazan.
That's just a hunch on my part. I doubt that AMC would be showing the remake, rather than the original, so many times.
In any case, I recommend that anyone who has an interest in this remake should also toggle over to check out the Kazan-directed movie.
It won several Oscars, and is justly considered one of the greatest American films of its period.
It was also Kazan's feature-film debut, and showed his prodigious talent right from the very start.
That's just a hunch on my part. I doubt that AMC would be showing the remake, rather than the original, so many times.
In any case, I recommend that anyone who has an interest in this remake should also toggle over to check out the Kazan-directed movie.
It won several Oscars, and is justly considered one of the greatest American films of its period.
It was also Kazan's feature-film debut, and showed his prodigious talent right from the very start.
Being poor don't mean being without pride.
mark.waltz10 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This intimate, character driven version of the Betty Smith novel may not have the cinematic appeal of the big screen 1945 version, but it's equal in heart and almost like a filmed stage version, minus the songs of the 1951 Broadway musical. Cliff Robertson and Diane Baker are Johnny and Katie Nolan, struggling parents of two children, with another on the way. Alcoholic Robertson keeps loosing jobs and Baker has to maintain all her strength to keep the family together.
Talented young daughter Pamela Ferdyn (with a voice familiar from several animated films) wants to be a writer, but her mother needs her to work so she's been told she can't go to high school. Then there's the flamboyant Aunt Cissy (Nancy Malone) who's life is a constant source of gossip, embarrassing her sister who briefly cuts her out of the family. But when Cissy tells off an uppity teacher for being snooty to her niece because she's poor, it's obvious that her heart is much needed in this struggling family.
This is the type of story that can be told in many different ways and give off different moods, so for me, this version is worth seeing, one of several classic books and plays filmed in a more videotaped manner which adds to the intimacy of the struggles of a family in the early 1900's. The cast is great, with Baker stern only because she has no choice, Robertson jolly drunk or sober (getting to sing too!), Malone a bright light (equivalent to Joan Blondell in the 1945 film for excellence), and Ferdyn touching.
There's also James Olson as the caring policeman who shows caring dirung a family tragedy, Allyn Ann McLearie as the teacher who encourages Ferdyn and Anne Seymour as the teacher who gets the deserved smack down from Malone. Definitely a bittersweet holiday film, showing that miracles don't just happen on 34th Street, but in the tenements of Brooklyn as well.
Talented young daughter Pamela Ferdyn (with a voice familiar from several animated films) wants to be a writer, but her mother needs her to work so she's been told she can't go to high school. Then there's the flamboyant Aunt Cissy (Nancy Malone) who's life is a constant source of gossip, embarrassing her sister who briefly cuts her out of the family. But when Cissy tells off an uppity teacher for being snooty to her niece because she's poor, it's obvious that her heart is much needed in this struggling family.
This is the type of story that can be told in many different ways and give off different moods, so for me, this version is worth seeing, one of several classic books and plays filmed in a more videotaped manner which adds to the intimacy of the struggles of a family in the early 1900's. The cast is great, with Baker stern only because she has no choice, Robertson jolly drunk or sober (getting to sing too!), Malone a bright light (equivalent to Joan Blondell in the 1945 film for excellence), and Ferdyn touching.
There's also James Olson as the caring policeman who shows caring dirung a family tragedy, Allyn Ann McLearie as the teacher who encourages Ferdyn and Anne Seymour as the teacher who gets the deserved smack down from Malone. Definitely a bittersweet holiday film, showing that miracles don't just happen on 34th Street, but in the tenements of Brooklyn as well.
my thought's and feelings watching TV movies
edward-mclaughlin5228 May 2013
i have watched this TV movie a number of times and found it to be very good and a first rate drama . i very much disagree with some reviews that state this movie is rubbish and should not be on TV. i say let us see more of these movies. i may be English but i believe very much in the united states of America. all Americans should be proud of producing and indeed watching such delightful family dramas. i have watched similar TV movies such as yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus also the orphan train and what Katy did and it was watching the TV series the Walton's that i really got to know of the American family way of living and i now have got and watched all episodes of the Waltons and for many years i always went about like john boy in my bibs and braces and at work they always referred to me as john boy. the TV series house on the prairie means to me as much as the Walton's and watching them does me so much good and i also have got and watched every episode of house on the prairie. i have now completed my first review and i hope that it may be of comfort to someone. Edward MC Laughlin.
Better Than The Original
philipwissbeck19 February 2017
I believe the remake of A Tree Grows In Brooklyn is better than the original. More genuine sentiment I would say. Cliff Robertson is one of my favorites. It used to be shown every Christmas but no more. You can still buy it but the VHS version I have looks really good. I forget all about the purchase. It was a TV movie. One of the good ones.
Remake is better!!!!
charlielara9 January 2020
I've seen the original (1945) & the remake! I prefer the remake! I love the little girl more too. She the same little girl that plays (Fern) the voice in Charlotte's Web 1973. I get the feelings of the people more in the remake.
A TERRIBLE stab at remaking a CLASSIC!
island_alive15 May 2008
I saw "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" listed on the FXM channel, and not having seen it in a while, I was pretty excited. Well, it turned out to be this 1974 "remake".......probably THE worst remake on God's green earth! It was so far removed from the classic original, that it was almost unrecognizable.
What were these people thinking?? The script was fourth rate at best, and the acting, especially Pamelyn Ferdin, was horrendous. The whole acting ensemble was the worst casting attempt I've ever seen. The casting director must have taken a page from "Where Are They Now" and "Who The Hell Are They To Begin With".
This movie is SO BAD, there should be a law against airing it.
What were these people thinking?? The script was fourth rate at best, and the acting, especially Pamelyn Ferdin, was horrendous. The whole acting ensemble was the worst casting attempt I've ever seen. The casting director must have taken a page from "Where Are They Now" and "Who The Hell Are They To Begin With".
This movie is SO BAD, there should be a law against airing it.
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