Fatherly Love

I have always loved "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," both the book and the film, but I never really understood the grief and sorrow that Francie and her family experience until the death of my own father. Now I can relate to this story on a much deeper level than before, and understand the symbolic significance of the tree, which, like love, manages to survive against all odds.

The movie tells the story of Francie Nolan, a young girl growing up in poverty in a Brooklyn slum. Bright and sensitive, Francie manages to find joy and beauty in the midst of her bleak life. She loves her mother and younger brother Neely, but most of all she loves her handsome, talented, alcoholic father, Johnny. Johnny understands Francie because they are so much alike, but Francie's mother tries to discourage her dreams, fearing that they will cause her to become weak and worthless like her father. When Johnny dies, Francie is forced to grow up quickly, and comes to both admire and pity her mother.

This is a beautiful film about family loyalty, love, and growing up. A cautionary note: watch the 1945 version, NOT the awful TV remake starring that annoying Pamelyn Ferdin!