Product Description

Disney presents the inspiring true story of one little girl whose strength and dignity during the racially charged 1960s helped change history! When bright six-year-old Ruby is chosen to be the first African-American student to integrate her local New Orleans elementary school, she is subjected to the true ugliness of racism for the very first time. But guided by the love of her mother (Lela Rochon -- WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE, WAITING TO EXHALE) and father (Michael Beach -- SOUL FOOD, TV’s THIRD WATCH), Ruby's heroic struggle for a better education becomes a lesson for us all. An acclaimed and entertaining motion picture also starring Penelope Ann Miller (THE GUN IN BETTY LOU'S HANDBAG, CARLITO'S WAY) and Kevin Pollak (THE USUAL SUSPECTS, A FEW GOOD MEN) -- you'll want to share this remarkable story of courage and pride with your family!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2727 in DVD
• Brand: BEACH,MICHAEL
• Released on: 2004-02-03
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Surround Sound, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 96 minutes

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

Customer Reviews

'IN GOOD TASTE'
This movie did what is called, "tell the truth", but in good taste. Why do I say that? Well it showed how people really can be, but ugly does not have to prevail. Good is a universal description.

Ruby Bridges: The Inspirational True Story
An excellent true story of the first black child in an all white school in New Orleans in 1960.
The faith this young six year old student had and the compassion she showed towards those who hated her is inspirational beyond belief. A must see for everyone, especially good for families. I bought two copies, one for my family and one for our high school.

Gigantic Courage in a Pint-Sized body
Ruby Bridges was only 6-years-old when she breached southern prejudice in Louisiana. Her courage and dependence on God is an inspiration to anyone facing religious or racial prejudice.