Director: Larry Peerce
Writer(s): Orville H. Hampton, Raphael Hayes
Starring: Barbara Barrie, Bernie Hamilton, Richard Mulligan, Harry Bellaver, Marti Mericka, Robert Earl Jones, Vinnette Carroll, Anthony Spinelli, Faith Burwell, Jack Stamberger, Michael Shane, Paul S. Orgill, Kenny Bass, Joel Ehrlich, Dick Flaisman, Bea Pestotnik, John Pestotnik, Don Robertson, Dick Sodja, Bob Timko
Synopsis: Having been deserted by her irresponsible husband, Joe, shortly before the birth of their daughter, Ellen, Julie Cullen struggles to raise her child in a midwestern town. She obtains a divorce from her husband, who has gone to South America to seek his fortune, moves to another town, goes to work at a local plant, and meets Frank Richards, a black office worker at the plant. They fall in love and marry, despite opposition from Frank’s parents. They move to Frank’s parents’ farm, where Julie is immediately made welcome by Mrs. Richards, but it is only after she bears Frank a son that Frank’s father accepts her. Some time later, Joe Cullen, learning of Julie’s marriage to a black, returns and institutes legal action for custody of Ellen. Advised to leave the state with his family because chances of retaining custody of the child are slight, Frank decides to remain and fight. Although the judge is aware that Ellen is healthy and happy with Julie and Frank, he takes society’s prejudices into account and awards custody to Joe. Bewildered and hurt, Ellen is taken away in a taxi by Joe as Julie helplessly chases the departing vehicle.
Release Date: July 29, 1964 (USA) | Length: 83 min | Genre: Drama | Certificate: 13
Note: I couldn’t find a trailer for this film. Above is the ending courtroom scene.