Watch A Patch of Blue

A Patch of Blue is a 1965 drama film directed by Guy Green and starring Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, and Elizabeth Hartman. The movie tells a heartwarming story of love, acceptance, and compassion. The story revolves around a young girl named Selina D'Arcey (Elizabeth Hartman) who is blind since birth. She lives with her abusive mother Rose-Ann (Shelley Winters) in a rundown apartment in a tough neighborhood. Selina's father passed away, and since then, Rose-Ann has been the sole breadwinner of the family. She is an alcoholic who spends most of her time gambling and chasing men instead of taking care of her daughter.

One day, while walking in the park, Selina meets Gordon Ralfe (Sidney Poitier), a kind-hearted and educated black man who works as a clerk in an office. Selina is fascinated by the sound of his voice, and they strike up a conversation. Gordon, sensing that Selina is lonely and neglected, befriends her and helps her rediscover the beauty of the world by describing things to her.

Their friendship blossoms, and they start meeting in secret. They share their experiences, hopes, and fears. Gordon encourages Selina to learn how to read and write, which opens up a new world of possibilities for her. Selina, in turn, inspires Gordon to pursue his dreams and not let racism hold him back. They fall in love, but their relationship is frowned upon by society due to their different races.

Meanwhile, Rose-Ann becomes jealous of Selina's newfound independence and tries to sabotage her daughter's happiness. She tries to sell Selina's body to a man for money and nearly kills her when she finds out about Gordon. Selina is hospitalised, and Gordon comes to the rescue. He convinces Rose-Ann to sign over legal guardianship of Selina to him and marries her.

The movie explores universal themes such as acceptance, prejudice, love, and overcoming obstacles. It portrays the evolution of a young girl's spirit from despair to happiness and the power of human connection to bridge racial and cultural divides.

The performances in A Patch of Blue are excellent. Elizabeth Hartman, in her debut role, delivers a touching and poignant portrayal of a blind girl struggling to find her identity. Shelley Winters plays the cold and selfish mother to perfection, evoking both sympathy and disgust. Sidney Poitier shines as the compassionate and realistic hero who breaks down barriers through his actions.

The cinematography and direction are also noteworthy. The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful shots of nature and the city. Guy Green's sensitive directing adds depth and nuance to the characters' relationships and creates a rich emotional tapestry.

Overall, A Patch of Blue is a must-watch movie for anyone who believes in the power of love to conquer all. It is a timeless classic that teaches us the importance of empathy and understanding in a world where differences are celebrated rather than feared.

A Patch of Blue is a 1965 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 73.