Take a Giant Step (1959)

From Playground to hunting ground - in a bar!

Take a Giant Step (1959) poster

After African-American teenager Spence Scott gets expelled from his private school for arguing with a teacher, he turns to his grandmother for advice. Spence, who lives in a genteel white area and has mostly white friends, feels like an outsider. He visits a bar in a black neighborhood, where he meets a few prostitutes, which doesn't help. Eventually, Spence starts a friendship with the housekeeper, Christine, who tells him her own difficult story.

Director: Philip Leacock
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 100 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Jack Marshall
Cinematography: Arthur E. Arling
Editing: Frank Gross
Production: Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Budget: $300,000
Original Language: en

Themes

Childish Innocence Lost Forever, Coming of Age and Self-Discovery, Social Commentary and Reflection

Keywords

high school, loss of virginity, coming of age, racism, maid, older woman younger man relationship, sexual awakening, running away, barflies, expelled from school, angry young man, grandmother grandson relationship, cruel reality, young black kid, black family

More Films by Director: Philip Leacock
More Films in Genre: Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Take a Giant Step about?
After African-American teenager Spence Scott gets expelled from his private school for arguing with a teacher, he turns to his grandmother for advice. Spence, who lives in a genteel white area and has mostly white friends, feels like an outsider. He visits a bar in a black neighborhood, where he meets a few prostitutes, which doesn't help. Eventually, Spence starts a friendship with the housekeeper, Christine, who tells him her own difficult story.
Who directed Take a Giant Step?
Take a Giant Step was directed by Philip Leacock.
Who stars in Take a Giant Step?
Take a Giant Step stars Johnny Nash, Estelle Hemsley, Ruby Dee, Frederick O'Neal, Beah Richards, Ellen Holly.
How long is Take a Giant Step?
Take a Giant Step has a runtime of 1h 40m (100 minutes).
What genre is Take a Giant Step?
Take a Giant Step is a Drama film.
What is the budget of Take a Giant Step?
Take a Giant Step had a budget of $300,000.
Where was Take a Giant Step produced?
Take a Giant Step was produced in United States of America.
What are the themes of Take a Giant Step?
The themes of Take a Giant Step include: Childish Innocence Lost Forever, Coming of Age and Self-Discovery, Social Commentary and Reflection.