Take a Giant Step (1959)
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- Approved
- 1h 40min
- Drama
- 01 Dec 1959 (USA)
- Movie
A black high school senior struggles with becoming a man, and living in a middle class white neighborhood in the late 1950s U.S. In protest of the paternalistic views of the Civil War emphasized in his history class, he storms out and gets...
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Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Awards:
- 1 win & 3 nominations.
- See more »
Photos and Videos
Complete, Cast awaiting verification
| Johnny Nash | ... |
Spence Scott
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| Estelle Hemsley | ... |
Gram Martin
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| Ruby Dee | ... |
Christine
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Frederick O'Neal | ... |
Lem Scott
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| Beah Richards | ... |
May Scott
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Ellen Holly | ... |
The Girl in the Bar
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| Paulene Myers | ... |
Violet
(as Pauline Meyers)
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Frances Foster | ... |
Poppy
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Royce Wallace | ... |
Rose Thompson
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Sherman Raskin | ... |
Alan
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| Frank Killmond | ... |
Gussie
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| Joe Sonessa | ... |
Johnny
(as Joseph Sonessa)
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Del Erickson | ... |
Bobby
(as Dell Erickson)
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| Dee Pollock | ... |
Tony
(as Dee Pollack)
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| Bill Walker | ... |
Frank
(as William 'Bill' Walker)
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Lester Dorr | ... |
High School Janitor (uncredited)
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| Roy Glenn | ... |
Minister at Gram's Funeral (uncredited)
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| Bernie Hamilton | ... |
Sharpie in Bar (uncredited)
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| Smoki Whitfield | ... |
Bartender in Strip Club (uncredited)
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Directed by
| Philip Leacock | ||
Written by
| Louis S. Peterson | ... | (screenplay) & |
| Julius J. Epstein | ... | (screenplay) |
| Louis S. Peterson | ... | (original play) |
Produced by
| Julius J. Epstein | ... | producer |
| Burt Lancaster | ... | executive producer (uncredited) |
Music by
| Jack Marshall | ||
Cinematography by
| Arthur E. Arling | ... | (as Arthur Arling) |
Editorial Department
| Frank Gross | ... | editorial supervisor |
Art Direction by
| Edward Carrere | ||
Set Decoration by
| Oliver Emert | ||
| Russell A. Gausman | ... | (as Russell Gausman) |
Makeup Department
| Elizabeth Searcy | ... | hair stylist |
| Monty Westmore | ... | makeup artist |
Production Management
| Tom Shaw | ... | unit production manager |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
| Phil Bowles | ... | assistant director (as Philip Bowles) |
| Ray DeCamp | ... | assistant director |
Art Department
| William Nunley | ... | props |
Sound Department
| Leslie I. Carey | ... | sound recordist |
| Joe Lapis | ... | sound recordist |
Costume and Wardrobe Department
| Bill Thomas | ... | costumer |
Additional Crew
| Lyn Austin | ... | producer: original play |
| Harold Hecht | ... | presenter (as Hecht) |
| James Hill | ... | presenter (as Hill) |
| Burt Lancaster | ... | presenter (as Lancaster) |
| Thomas Noyes | ... | producer: original play |
Production Companies
Distributors
- United Artists (1959) (United States) (theatrical)
- Kommunenes Filmcentral (KF) (1959) (Norway) (theatrical)
- United Artists (1960) (United Kingdom) (theatrical)
Special Effects
Other Companies
- Westrex Recording System (sound recording system)
Storyline
| Plot Summary |
A black high school senior struggles with becoming a man, and living in a middle class white neighborhood in the late 1950s U.S. In protest of the paternalistic views of the Civil War emphasized in his history class, he storms out and gets caught smoking a cigar in the boys' room. Spence's crush on a white classmate goes nowhere because of her father's attitude toward blacks. His outspoken grandmother seems the only one who understands his angry growing pains, at the early stages of the U.S.'s Civil Rights Era. Written by David Stevens |
| Plot Keywords | |
| Taglines | Here is the real rage behind today's tormented "Blue Jeans" Generation! Here's what makes them tick..What makes them tough..What makes them tremble..What makes them take a giant step! See more » |
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| Parents Guide | Add content advisory for parents » |
| Certification |
Additional Details
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Box Office
| Budget | $300,000 (estimated) |
Did You Know?
| Trivia | The theme song is mentioned in the opening credits but was never heard anywhere in the movie itself. See more » |
| Movie Connections | Referenced in The Leech Woman (2013). See more » |
| Soundtracks | Take a Giant Step See more » |
| Quotes |
Spence Scott:
You know, Pop. I guess you don't have to be colored to be unhappy. Lem Scott: No, but it sure helps. See more » |