Product Details

• Actors: Chaz Monet, Penelope Ann Miller, Kevin Pollak, Michael Beach, Lela Rochon
• Directors: Euzhan Palcy
• Writers: Toni Ann Johnson
• Producers: Euzhan Palcy, Anne Hopkins
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• VHS Release Date: February 6, 2001
• Run Time: 96 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000524ET
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,167 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  #83 in	Video > Drama > Television
  #83 in	Video > Kids & Family > Adapted from Books > Feature Films

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This well-conceived made-for-television Disney movie brings the pain and difficulty of desegregation to life for a generation of kids to whom the 1960s is ancient history. Young Chaz Monet plays Ruby, who in real life walked up those Southern school steps with armed guards barely shielding her from the hate-filled epithets white adults hurled at her as she single-handedly desegregated the institution. Penelope Ann Miller plays her Yankee teacher--actually a tutor, since no white kids will share her classroom. Kevin Pollak plays the psychiatrist who donates his time to help her deal with the trauma, but won't eat her mother's food. This 89-minute film offers surprisingly complex portraits of many of the adult characters and an admirably frank look at the less-than-positive reaction from her own community. Even her father (Michael Beach) waivers in resolution, especially when his white boss fires him. Superior acting, writing, and production mark this look at one of the uglier periods in American social history and the little girl who helped the country take a giant step in the right direction. Somewhat scary situations and use of racial slurs make parental guidance advisable for young children. (Ages 7 and older) --Kimberly Heinrichs

Product Description
This critically acclaimed film from "The Wonderful World Of Disney" features an all-star cast and is highlighted by a special introduction by President Clinton and Disney CEO Michael Eisner. The year is 1960. The place, New Orleans, Louisiana. When six-year-old Ruby (Chaz Monet) scores well on her local scholastic tests, she is chosen to be the first African-American student to integrate the local elementary school. Escorted to school by federal marshals, she is exposed to the ugliness of racism for the first time. Guided by the love of her family, the support of a white teacher (Penelope Ann Miller, CARLITO'S WAY), and a psychologist (Kevin Pollak, A FEW GOOD MEN), Ruby ultimately becomes an inspiration to all whose lives she touches. Also starring Lela Rochon (WAITING TO EXHALE) and Michael Beach (SOUL FOOD), RUBY BRIDGES is a film the entire family should watch together.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Use this film to teach, May 5, 2004

By	Thomas Bonar (Cypress, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Have your students read Ruby's book and then show this film. It illustrates not only the stuggle of integration in personal terms, but other topics related to history and government as well. The supremacy of federal over state laws, the political and social climate of the times. My students had trouble believing this story really happened the way it did, that is untill they pulled up the actual photos on the internet. I cannot recomend this one highly enough.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwrentching and Wonderful!, March 21, 2001

By	Katelyn (Bakersfield, California) - See all my reviews

I am a 7th grader from California and my History teacher showed this video in class. I found it to be one of the best videos I have ever watched. It taught me so much and that day I went home and did more research about Ruby Bridges. A few weeks later I decided to do my History Field Day progect on her since the topic was 'New Fronties.' I also bought the movie with my own money and showed it to my brother, who was for some reason kind of prejudice, and since then he has never said one word about not liking a black person. This movie taught me so much and even my parents ask to watch it over and over again. It is heartwrenching every time I watch it and it showed my brother what hard times black people went through and that they do have feelings also. This movie is OUTSTANDING and I recommend it to anyone!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good buy for any teacher, February 22, 2004

By A Customer

I am a first grade teacher and have used this video for a unit on Ruby Bridges in first and second grade. The students have responded very well to it, and it has created for some unbelievable conversation that you'd never expect from this age level. I usually break the viewing up into a few different days, because it is a lengthy film, but it has been one of my favorite videos to show each year. This is a must have for any teacher because it illustrates what courage and strength can accomplish, even at a young age.