Third Annotation

Ruby Bridges. Dir. Euzhan Palcy. Perf. Chaz Monet, Penelope Ann Miller, Kevin Pollak, Michael Beach, Lela Rochon . DVD. Yahoo Movies, 1999.


Based on actual events that occurred in Louisiana during 1960. Ruby (newcomer Monet) is a first grader who, after scoring one of the highest grades on her school board exam, is chosen as one of the first black students to integrate an all-white school. As racial tension escalates, Ruby is escorted to school by federal marshals, who attempt to protect her from the angry protesters. With guidance and support from her mother (Rochon), father (Beach), teacher (Miller) and a child psychologist (Pollak), Ruby finds the determination to overcome all obstacles. An uplifting story of one girl's courage.


Ruby is an inspiring and cute little girl. The film revisits a shameful past and shows what a powerful force moral fortitude can be, even in a child. The film was nominated for several awards, including an NAACP Image award. The writer, Toni Ann Johnson, won the 1998 Humanities Prize for her teleplay. The film also won The Christopher Award. The movie was a secondary source.