The 1945 film version of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, adapted from the beloved, bestselling novel by Betty Smith, was widely acclaimed both by audiences and critics and won a number of awards.

However, contemporary readers who adore the book should note that the storyline in the book covers about six years in the lives of the Nolans, while the film’s actions take place within a much shorter span of time — compressed into not much more than a year.

As such, this is a film that is an interpretation of the book rather than a faithful adaptation. Despite the artistic license taken, this Elia Kazan-directed movie was nearly universally well received. Read More→