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The Greenie

The Greenie (1942)

Jan 24, 1942 10m History

Told on the premise that the United States has always been a refuge from those seeking a reprieve from poverty and bigotry, this Miniature short from M-G-M is the story of a young Polish boy, unable to speak English, just arriving in New York City with hie parents. He leaves his lower east-side tenement to go play. Passing an open field he sees a sight unfamiliar to him; a group of boys playing baseball. When the boys drop their bats and gloves to hitch a ride on a passing ice-wagon, the Polish boy goes over to the baseball diamond and starts examining the baseball equipment. The boys come back and think he is about to steal their belongings but, when they learn he is a new immigrant and doesn't understand English, they invite him to play base ball with them..and he gets a base-hit his first time at bat.

Directed by H. Alexander

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • H. Alexander
Writer
  • Carey Wilson
Producer
  • Jack Chertok

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Thematic Analysis

The Greenie represents a fascinating example of History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director H. Alexander brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1942, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Greenie took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 10 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 50 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 446 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1942, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Greenie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Greenie offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Splashback and Thread: My Rose explore similar territory, The Greenie stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 24, 1942
  • Runtime: 10m
  • Budget: $10,000