MovieChat Forums > The Learning Tree (1970) Discussion > One of the first 25 films in the library...

One of the first 25 films in the library of congress


This little seen film happens to be part of an important milestone in film history. In 1989, the Library of Congress took twenty-five films in their library and this was one of the first 25 ever. It was put in along with "Best Years of Our Lives" "Star Wars," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and others.

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Yeah how is this a 6.7 and one of the first in the library of congress.
What is wrong with you people. I haven't seen it but was hoping to read some good posts and then go buy it if it interested me, but there aren't really any and you guys gave it a 6.7. Thanks for helping me out. Ya no im beginning to lose faith in IMDB. They need to have a screening process and eliminate stupid people's votes or make it like the electoral college system. Thank God for the electoral college. Anyways I'm gonna see this movie despite what you losers think of it.

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The problem is that this movie is competing with the likes of big budget Hollywood films.

In its own right, this film is very well done in expressing the deep issues of racial conflict, coming of age and the historical context of race relations of the past.

But IMDB isn't about rating the finest art films, political films or exposing the public to texts that are most likely only for those in academia or of special interest.

Since this movie isn't a slasher, action or romantic comedy, it's neglected by the mainstream. At the time of this posting, there's only been 157 votes. Compare that to one of the newest box office hit and obviously The Learning Tree loses out no matter what.

I'm glad it made it to the library of congress though because a film like this needs to be recognized and preserved as an example of a film trying to create discourse about a very very touchy issue that has yet to be fixed. The ties between this film made in 1969 and issues now (like the Jena conflict) show how much progress society has made, and shows even more how much further we need to go.

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Very good movie and although the acting isn't great there are some good performances, particualy Kyle Johnson as Newt, Alex Clarke as Marcus, Richard Ward as Booker Savage, Joel Fullhen as Uncle Rob, and Estelle Evans as Mama.

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I wish this was on dvd or blu... partly for sentimental reasons because some of the locations were where I grew up.

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Cool_Hand_Whitt says > Yeah how is this a 6.7 and one of the first in the library of congress.
Wow, get a clue! If the Library of Congress judges movies based on the ratings of a few viewers on a movie site it would truly be a sad state of affairs. While I enjoyed this movie, I realize there may be other people who feel differently. Besides, there are many other reasons this movie should be included in a historical collection. I wouldn't expect you to understand.

In fact, I could say more but I find it silly that someone who hasn't even seen the movie and needs to get the opinions of others to decide whether or not to see it would have the audacity to scold anyone about their opinions. You really need help!


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

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Since making this post, did you see the film, what did you think of it, and do you still like the electoral college, heh-heh?

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Whay aren't all films cited by the Library of Congress available on DVD and Blu-ray? I still have the VHS of this and it's about 23 years old.
"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"

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