Don't worry about the title . If you make to the end of this opinion I'll tell you where to find it in the movie. DRIVING MISS DAISY is one of those rare movies where everything comes together in perfect harmony. It was an unmitigated pleasure revisiting this old friend, created in 1989.

The story and screenplay were written by Alfred Uhry. The play had run on Broadway for awhile, before the movie came to pass. (And Freeman had played the role)This may be unimportant, except for the fact that the movie's great strength is it's dialogue. The photography is beautiful, and the film was exceptional at creating the illusion of time passing.

The director, Bruce Beresford, was born in Australia, with an international filmography. He is known for a variety of different types of films, including (since this one) A GOOD MAN IN AFRICA (another award winner) and DOUBLE JEOPARDY, which never really clicked. Lesser known flicks deal with culture clashes in a a more dramatic way, most specifically, BLACK ROBE which was made in Quebec and details Jesuit Missionary work to less than enthusiastic North American Indians.

The cast for the flick includes two well known stage actors, the wonderful Jessica Tandy, and the always impressive Morgan Freeman. The big surprise for this movie was Dan Akroyd, whose previous work in B (or less ) grade comedies did not promise such a wonderful and convincing performance.

The movie covers a period of time of about 25 years, from 1948 until 1973 give or take a year. We are taken through Atlanta, as it changes in many ways. The vehicles are a parade of classic cars, starting with a Hudson. The characters age, and it is done with finesse. The factory, and it's technology, changes. Fashions change. It is marvelously done.


The relative incongruity of an older Jewish widowed schoolteacher in Atlanta Georgia developing a friendship with her black chauffeur is what makes this story click. Daisy says time and time again "I'm NOT prejudiced", although her actions belie her words. She falls so easily into stereotypes that she doesn't see it herself. People in the South are NOT all racially prejudiced, but it was and is common. There is a conflict here in being Jewish, also, and which Daisy discovers in a hard way. While hate groups target blacks and Catholics and Jews, the occasional Yankee outsider (with their "nasal voices") is the common enemy, a scene that wasn't lost on me!

THE PLOT

"IT'S THE CAR'S FAULT"

Miss Daisy is backing out of her driveway, stamps on the accelerator and wrecks her car. A retired widowed schoolteacher, she lives in a big house with a black housekeeper, and obvious signs of affluence. The family is Jewish with established history in Atlanta Georgia. Her son own a textile factory. Miss Daisy resents needing help, and doesn't want a driver, although she is too big an insurance risk to be allowed to drive.

Boolie, her son, hires a driver, Hoke Colburn, a man only slightly younger than Miss Daisy herself. She snaps at him, and rides a high horse in her dealing with the mellow chauffeur. Eventually, she allows Hoke to drive her to the grocery store, and then to Temple. She suspects him of stealing a can of salmon (she counted the cans) spewing stereotypes without batting an eyelash.

"THE TIME OF HER LIFE ASSOCIATING WITH THE EPISCOPALIANS"

Miss Daisy doesn't like Boolie's wife Florine, who likes to act like she forgot her Jewish roots. The feeling appears to be mutual. Florine forgets herself in trying to hob nob with the "old money" in Atlanta. Miss Daisy never forgets. It is interesting that she doesn't see the same thing in her son.

"GOOD BYE! GOOD LUCK!...GOOD GOD!"

The first sign of outside ugliness occurs when Hoke pilots Miss Daisy to Mobile for her 90 year old brother's birthday. They are stopped by a couple of state troopers, and questioned in a way that the seething dislike for an 'old jewish woman and an old negro takin' off down the road together' is obvious. For the first time Miss Daisy understands something about the world she lives in.

"I HAVE TO DO BUSINESS HERE"

Miss Daisy wants to go see Martin Luther King speak. She has been changed, and wants her son to go. He defers, knowing his other rich businessman buddies might not appreciate his association with the movement to end prejudice. The message given is that not only are the people who hate at fault, but also the others, who see, and do nothing. King referred to the "appalling silence and indifference of the good people".


"YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND"

Eventually, as is the way of the world, Miss Daisy ages and fails. She is 90 years old when the film ends. Her long time housekeeper has passed on, and Miss Daisy realizes that Hoke Colburn was and is her truest friend.

THE CAST

MORGAN FREEMAN as Hoke Colburn. The praises have already been sung. We already know what a fine performance this was. Freeman already knew the lines, having done them in Broadway. But how many of you remember Freeman as the "Easy Reader" in the Electric company? (Innovative PBS educational children's show in the 70's) I never, until now, realized why his voice was so familiar.

JESSICA TANDY as Miss Daisy Werthan. I have never seen her do anything that was less than wonderful. She has a quiet stage presence and dignity that shines with it's own glow. I wished I had seen her on Broadway when I lived in New York.

DAN AKROYD as Boolie Werthan, the busy executive and entrepreneur. I honestly didn't know he had it in him. The only other character he ever played that I thought was a memorable character was in MY GIRL but it is a pale second to this performance. Don't get me wrong, I like him in his goofy roles, starting with Saturday Night Live and moving on. I think, in many ways, he is a genius. But his accent is right on. Not bad for a Canadian!

ESTHER ROLLE as Idella, the black housekeeper. Long time regular on TV sitcoms, this role was not much of a stretch, but she was good nevertheless.

PATTY LUPONE as Florine Werthan, wife to Boolie. Not a big part, but the character is present in every conversation with Boolie and Miss Daisy. Her character was set with no acting required.


FINAL RECOMMENDATION

If you haven't seen this gentle comedy, I highly recommend it. It is a comedic look at some serious issues, but what remains important was the ability of one human being to touch the heart of another. Hoke and Miss Daisy are truly human, funny, and endearing. Is it sentimental? Sure. Sometimes the lighter side is healing to the heart.

The title: These word appear on a billboard behind Hoke as he stands in front of the grocery store calling Boolie, on the first outing where Miss Daisy lets him drive.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12