December 18

Green Book

This movie, Green Book, portrays the lives of two very complex men, Dr. Don Shirley and Tony Lip (Vallelonga) and the friendship that they forged in the 1960s.  The movie takes place amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and takes the main characters to places – it seems – untouched by any Civil Right agitation.  The men are a portrait of contrasts – Tony as a sloppy, uncouth Italian tough guy while Dr. Shirley is uptight, ultra-focused (on music), and very alone.  In many respects, this is somewhat of a formulaic movie that works like a buddy comedy or a road trip movie, but there’s much more to the film (and their relationship) than that.  Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali in "Green Book."The actors, Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali feel that the movie has an understated power that just lets its characters interact in interesting and human ways.

“One thing I felt was really valuable, in the script, was that it didn’t tell you what to think,” Mortensen said. “It didn’t tell you what to feel. Yes, there’s a history lesson. There’s a civics lesson there. You could even say that there’s a cautionary tale that can be applied to our time, or any time really, in terms of discrimination, racism, ignorance.”

“I will say if it was 10 years ago or 20 years ago it would be a movie for our time,” said Ali. “I think the difference is, a heightened awareness about the division in our country, in the last couple of years. I think there’s more eyes on the problems, and the things that need to be bridged between communities. And I do feel that this film fits perfectly in the culture right now, as far as something that can serve as an example of what is possible.”

Even in some of the darkest, most racist parts of the South, Dr. Shirley maintains his dignity even when asked to use segregated bathrooms or refused service in a white restaurant, even at the same place where he is playing later that night.  Yet he is tormented by his demons, he drinks to silence them, and his inability to not be his true self haunts him.  By just existing, by playing the piano in such an excellent manner, Dr. Shirley defies what white America at the time thought of Black Americans.  He wasn’t making speeches, he wasn’t marching with Dr. King, but Dr. Shirley was on the “front lines” of the Civil Rights Movement.

Pick 3 of the following questions to answer about the film: 

  1. How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America?  Give specifics.
  2. Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
  3. What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962?  Explain with details.
  4. How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie?  Explain with details.
  5. How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?

350 words minimum.  Due by January 11, 2019.

NBC News on Green Book – https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/green-book-stars-explain-movie-real-lives-behind-story-n939046

 

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Posted December 18, 2018 by geoffwickersham in category Blogs

30 thoughts on “Green Book

  1. Roni Blank

    3. Although not directly stated, we can infer that the film takes place at around 1962. Racism and segregation are notable in the film. For example, the reason Don hired Tony as his driver is that he needed a white man to protect him in the South. Also, Tony was given the Green Book, a book created for African Americans as a guide to black-friendly restaurants and hotels, designed to make traveling the US during the Jim Crow era as safer. This proves that the movie takes place before the abolishment of Jim Crow laws (which were enforced until 1965) and during the civil rights movement (which ended in 1968). Also, when Tony and Don were arrested because Tony punched a cop, Don asks to call his lawyer but instead contacted Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who ordered their release. Kennedy was in office from 1961-1964. This confirms that the movie took place during those years.

    4. At the beginning of the movie, before Tony met Don, Tony was very racist. In one of the first scenes, Tony even threw two glasses in the trash after black workers drank water from them. At the beginning of the tour, he also made many stereotypical assumptions about Don, assuming he knows what food he must like and what music he listens to, simply because he’s Black. Tony changed from a racist man into a man who scolded a relative about calling Don an offensive name. Don and Tony spent much time together and developed a strong sense of friendship and loyalty to one another. It is shown by Tony when he helped Don when several white men brutally beat him in a bar and when he protected his name self-honor by backing him up in his decision to not play in Birmingham, Alabama after Don was not treated properly because of his skin color. This sense of loyalty is also showed by Don when he took over driving duty when Tony became too tired so Tony will make it back in time for Christmas Eve.

    5. Although the movie’s subject is about the African American pianist, Don Shirley, going on a tour in the racist south of 1962, it is also about a developing friendship. This movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speaks to today’s audiences because it shows that even people with remarkably different backgrounds and with prior prejudices can become friends and overcome their stereotypical assumptions. This movie proves that progress to greater equality can be made with hard work.

  2. Joshua Wallington

    How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.

    Dr. Shirley was very complex during the movie because he felt that he couldn’t fit in with anyone. Dr. Shirley was a gay, successful African American during the civil rights movement and that wasn’t very common. Dr. Shirley elaborated on his feelings when he got into an argument with Tony on the side of the road. Shirley said that he didn’t fit in with African Americans because he did not have the same experiences. He was not aware of the music by popular, African American musicians and he had never eaten “soul food” like fried chicken. He also didn’t fit in with white people because he was black and the white people didn’t think that the was Black enough because of his education. On the side of the road, he mentioned that he was not “man enough”. He had to hide the fact that he was gay from others as well. Dr. Shirley was complex because he felt he didn’t fit in with anyone, had no family, and was lonely.

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.

    The film never specifically shows the date but it offered many clues of the time period. The Green Book is a good indicator that the film takes place during the 50s and 60s because the main purpose of the book was to keep black travelers safe by showing them black neighborhoods, restaurants, and hotels. We know it took place during the 1960s because Dr. Shirley called Attorney General Robert F Kennedy to help get him and Tony released from jail. It has to be near 1962 because Oleg tells Tony a story of something that happened in 1956 and Oleg says that was 6 years ago.

    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.

    At the beginning of the movie, Tony was prejudice toward African Americans. He threw away the glasses from which the African American workers in his home drank. While he was driving Dr. Shirley around he made several stereotypical comments about what Dr. Shirley should eat and what type of music he should like. During the trip, Dr. Shirley didn’t care much for Tony’s smoking and his use of profanity. They both came to tolerate each other because they were spending so much time together. Tony introduced Dr.Shirley to fried Chicken and helped save him from people attacking him in the bar. Dr. Shirley helped Tony write letters and he got to know Tony a bit better. They were able to see the humanity in each other. Dr. Shirley realized that Tony was a loving husband trying to provide for his family. Tony saw that Dr. Shirley was lonely when he was sitting alone drinking while his band drank together. After the two men began to accept and understand each other, they started to become friends.

  3. Ethan Lulkin

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front line of the Civil Right Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962, because the Deep South was still very segregated in 1962. Dr. Shirley wanted to show the racist white people how great a black musician and person could be. He was welcomed into wealthy people’s homes to play for them, but they wouldn’t let him use their restroom or eat at their restaurant. It was especially “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” on his last show of the tour because the last time a black musician played there, he was assaulted and hurt horribly while playing. He chose to do the tour down South to prove people wrong, show that a black man can have the same skill white man, and that not every black person is the same. He chose the tour for 3 times less money to go to the South instead of playing in the North.
    3. There were many historical elements that let you know the film took place in 1962. First, throughout the movie they mention John Kennedy was President(1960-1963) and that Bobby Kennedy was Attorney General(1961-1964). When the movie first begins you get many hints of the time period. The clothing that everyone wore seemed older, especially the conservative dresses by the women. Also, at the Copacabana people were walking around selling cigarettes. This would be a very rare sight in a club in the 21st century. Next they show us Tony’s home. There he drinks from a glass bottle of milk, that he most likely got from the milf man. In the 21st there are no more milk men or glass milk bottles. When they were driving the KFC Tony and Dr Shirley stopped at had the old logo. There were some other specific things like what was showing at the theatre. First Bob Dylan & Pete Seeger were supposed to perform. Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger were most popular in 1962 and 1963. At then end of the movie the theatre showed Lawrence of Arabia was playing, which came out in 1962. More clues that the film took place in 1962 was the car they were driving. It was a 1962 Cadillac, and Dr. Shirley seemed to want the newest and best of everything, so it made sense to have the newest Cadillac. Finally the segregation told us it was the 60’s. There was heavy use of the N-word, especially in the South. Dr. Shirley had to sleep in a different motel, that was usually worse quality. The bathroom were separate, in the house where Dr. Shirley performed and went 30 mins back to his hotel. The Restaurants and Bars refused to serve African Americans, like in the final location on the tour.
    4. Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie through understanding each others struggle. First, Tony acted racist when he threw away the two glasses the black workers had. He also made assumptions that Dr. Shirley like fried chicken and knew every black musician. At the beginning of the trip, Dr. Shirley only acknowledged Tony as his driver. He didn’t want to talk to Tony and just wanted to get to his shows. As the trip went on, Tony realised that Dr. Shirley had to deal with racism everywhere, he couldn’t go to a bar, sleep in a normal hotel, or even use the restroom. Tony also realised that Tony has been so concentrated in playing the piano, he hasn’t experienced everything he should. Tony changed from making racist assumptions to protecting Dr. Shirley and understanding his struggles, including Dr. Shirley being closeted. Dr. Shirley became friends with Tony by understanding he’s trying his best to help Dr. Shirley and his family. He saw Tony writing letters, poorly, to his wife and helped him. This was one of the turning points in their relationship because they both learned about each others life and wanted to help one another. All of these experiences help bring Tony and Dr. Shirley to being friends, and we know this when Dr. Shirley was invited and came to Tony’s families Christmas dinner.

  4. Kyle

    2. Dr. Shirley was at the forefront of civil rights by playing in the deep South because he did it by choice. They stated in the movie he could’ve stayed in the north and made three times the amount that he did in the south playing the same tunes. He didn’t do it though, he was willing to go play in the south for all of the racists who thought themselves his better and treated him badly. And he did it all because he wanted the racist whites who thought of blacks as stupid and lesser people to see a brilliant black man and for blacks who were used to being oppressed in the south and maybe thought themselves lesser could see that they could become something. It was showed many times in the movie but it was personified best in the scene where the sharecroppers stopped working and just stared at doctor Shirley when he got out of the car. He was willing to make less and be treated poorly all for the sake of his race.
    3. Everything in the movie screams it comes from a earlier time period. The club in the beginning for instance just has the feel of something from the 60’s. Cars in a movie are also a big giveaway as to what time period the movie is referring to. If they look old the you know it takes place in the past and can probably guess when based on how old the cars look. If they look modern you know it’s modern and if they look futuristic then you know it’s a futuristic movie. And the cars that we see in The Green Book scream 60’s. And the biggest thing of course that points to an earlier time is the blatant racism seen all throughout the movie, especially once they get to the south. Racism is shown with their first interaction with the cops, the bar scene, and almost every show Dr. Shirley does.
    5. The movie tells today’s audiences that just because we look different doesn’t mean we can’t befriend people who are different form us. Friends are made through personalities not appearances. Our country today is very divided, not just over race but over things like political party affiliation and the movie’s saying that yes we are a divided country but we can still overcome that and just as Tony and Dr. Shirley did.

  5. Lily

    How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?
    What really stood out to me about their friendship throughout the movie is that it was so hard for them both to see from each others perspectives, especially on matters that seemed very clear to the audience which created a type of dramatic irony. Their relationship was heartwarming because their understanding and acceptance of each other grew as the movie progressed. I think it is important today to be reminded of how far we have come in society with acceptance and equality. But, we must also be aware of the prejudice in today’s world that we still have to overcome.

    How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.
    He did a good job at portraying the struggle and pressure that Dr. Shirley constantly feels as a black man in 1962 when Jim Crow laws are still observed. He not only struggles with restrictions due to race, for example when he loses his temper at the restaurant host who won’t let him dine along side the white people, but he also struggles with the fact he is closeted which makes everything even harder for him. Ali was able to portray the contradictions that Dr. Shirley had to live with. He was a public figure, but had to keep his feelings private. He was respected for his talent, but treated in public as inferior. Ali was able to portray Dr. Shirley as proud and very private. Dr. Shirley and Tony had very little in common, but were able to understand and help each other.

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    I think the movie was very well done and the segregation and discrimination made it was easy to see that it took place in the early sixties. The style of the cars, furniture, architecture, music and lack of modern technologies, like cell phones, also showed this. The time period was also shown through the characters clothing and the way they act. I thought the tension between characters of different races made it clear what it was like in that time period, for example in the beginning of the movie it is obvious that Tony and Dr. Shirley seem to have nothing in common and feel somewhat uncomfortable around each other. As the movie progresses this changes and Tony becomes more open minded and Dr. Shirley sees that people can change.

  6. Gillian Waitzman

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962. He wanted to prove to everyone that he could be just as successful as any white musician. He could have played in the North, instead of the South, and have made three times as much money. But Dr. Shirley wasn’t in for it for the money, he wanted to prove everyone wrong. When he performed, the whites would treat him as equal. But as soon as he took one step off that stage, he was no longer welcomed. One specific example was in one of the scenes, he was performing at a venue with a restaurant. Dr. Shirley was hungry and wanted to eat dinner before he performed. But they would not even let him step a foot into that restaurant. It caused a ruckus, so Tony and Dr. Shirley ended up leaving and going down the street to a bar where he was actually welcomed, and ended up performing like no one was watching.
    4. When Tony and Dr. Shirley first encountered each other, you could already tell that they were complete opposites. Tony is a messy, rebellious, Italian white male, while Dr. Shirley is an uptight, strict, professional, black male. In the beginning of the movie, it was clear that Tony was very racist. In one scene, two black male workers came over to Tony and his wife’s house. They drank out of two glasses, and when Tony saw that, he immediately threw them away. I believe that this scene was of great importance because it showed how much Tony changed his views and judgements throughout the movie. When Tony was driving Dr. Shirley around for the tour, it surprised him that not every black person listened to the same music (black musicians) nor ate the same food (fried chicken). But as time went on, especially because they spent about every minute of the day together, they began to develop a real friendship. Tony started to see how hard it was for Dr. Shirley, he couldn’t go to bars, or even sleep without having a white protector, like Tony. Tony and Dr. Shirley helped each other out and that’s what created such a special bond between them. Tony would physically protect him, have him try new things and loosen up, and support him through it all. Dr. Shirley would help he stay connected to him family with his way of words and help him learn how important family is. One of the most significant scenes in the movie was right after the tour had finished. Tony had made it back just in time for Christmas dinner and invited Dr. Shirley to join. Right when he walked in, everyone’s expression was completely shocked. But just looking at Tony’s wifes face, you could tell how proud she was, she knew that this job had changed Tony for the better. It didn’t only make Tony a better person, but it created a special friendship.
    5. Although this movie was made over 50 years ago, it still speaks to all types of audiences and our country today. It is a proven fact that racism has greatly decreased since 50 years ago. However, it is still shown in our country today with many people. This movie says many things about our country, America. It shows us that we need to do better, we need to accept everyone, no matter what they look like or where they came from. Many people enjoy befriending someone who is exactly like them because they have the same interests. But even if you are the complete opposite from someone, if you sound, look, dress, nothing alike. You can put aside the differences and overcome them. Sometimes finding someone nothing like you, will teach you new things, like it did with Tony and Dr. Shirley. You should never judge someone just because they are different than you, and that is still a recurring problem in America.

  7. Kate Potocsky

    1. Ali portrayed Dr. Shirley as a sophisticated, lonely, intelligent, very complex man. Dr. Shirley was a closeted black musician living in Jim Crow America. At this time, racism was still so prominent, segregation was legal, and homosexuality was not widely accepted. Dr. Shirley was more complex that what people saw on the outside. Inside, he had his demons. He felt so alone all the time. He didn’t fit in with other musicians of his genre, simply because he was black. He didn’t fit in with the majority of black Americans because of his lavish sophisticated lifestyle. He didn’t fit in with other men because he was gay. In the rain on the side of the street, Dr. Shirley cracked. After Tony made an ignorant comment, Dr. Shirley made him pull over. He told Tony about his loneliness. He said that he wasn’t man enough and he wasn’t black enough. He didn’t fit in anywhere. This really shows that money and success do not dictate happiness. One may think that with millions of dollars, fancy clothes, and a beautiful home, you’d be content. But, does all that really matter if you have nobody to share it with? Dr. Shirley didn’t know where he belonged. He sulked alone at night with alcohol. He was so much more complex that one might’ve believed.

    3. This film includes tons of historical elements that let us know that it took place in 1962. The biggest element is lawful segregation. Dr. Shirley was discriminated against nearly everywhere he went. The title of the movie, Greenbook, even displays this. The Green Book was a book showing all the places that allowed negroes in the south including restaurants and hotels. The options were very limited. Examples of segregation include at restaurants, hotels, and clothing stores. Dr. Shirley and Tony had to compromise and find either separate restaurants or find restaurants that would serve Dr. Shirley. One restaurant in a hotel, that Dr. Shirley was supposed to perform at later that evening, refused to serve him. He and Tony would not tolerate it, so they left, and he did not perform. Other hotels discriminated too. Tony and Dr, Shirley often had to stay in completely separate buildings sometimes. Dr. Shirley almost never fought back. He knew there was nothing he could do about it, so he drank away in sorrow. He requested bottles of alcohol at every hotel he went to. Another example is when Tony and Dr. Shirley spotted a beautiful suit in the window and a shop down south. They walked in, and asked if Dr. Shirley could try it on. The white employees did not allow his to try it on. They told him to either buy it, without trying it on, or to leave. Dr. Shirley was also not allowed to use the same bathrooms as white men. Even at a party he performed at, he was not allowed to use the regular toilet. The white people assumed he would use an outhouse near the home. Shirley refused to use this outhouse to keep his dignity, so he left the party, went to the bathroom somewhere else, and came back in time to perform without fighting back. At this time, Jim Crow Laws were still in place and allowed racism like this to be legal. But, things were beginning to change. Just two years later, these laws were abolished with the Civil Rights Act. Another element that shows the time period is the music. Tony had played Aretha Franklin, who peaked in the 60s, in the car. A final element that showed the year is the mentioning of President Kennedy. To get out of jail in time for his show, Dr. Shirley used his one phone call to call Kennedy’s brother.

    4. Although I’m sure he wouldn’t admit it, Tony was racist in the beginning of the movie. His wife had two black handymen over to fix something. She offered them something to drink. After they finished and the glasses were in the sink, Tony threw them away. He should’ve just washed them like he would have if white men drank out of them. His irrational racist behavior went away throughout the movie. Tony became friends with Dr. Shirley. At first, he was weirded out by Dr. Shirley. When he went to his apartment for the job interview, he judged his attire, the way he talked, and his home. He just barely accepted the job. For the first part of the trip, Tony and Dr. Shirley did not get along. They were pretty much opposites. Dr. Shirley was incredibly driven, studious, and serious. He didn’t laugh at Tony’s jokes, hated his music, and judged his messy eating habits. Tony wasn’t too fond of Dr. Shirley either. He continued to judge him hoping he would loosen up. His wittiness contrasted Dr. Shirley’s mannered ways. As they spent more and more time together, they opened up to one another. They realized that each of them had their own struggles. I thought a turning point in their relationship was when Dr. Shirley ate fried chicken, with his hands, in the back seat of the car. It may seem small, but I think it represents a newfound frivolousness within him. Tony’s informality was rubbing off on him. It was good for Dr. Shirley to have a little fun for once. We really got to see their friendship grow throughout the trip. Dr. Shirley helped Tony write poetic love letters to his wife. Tony stopped judging Dr. Shirley and realized he was just lonely and had a hard time fitting in. They had some serious conversations, and some playful friendly talks. The two men formed a true friendship. Tony even had Dr. Shirley over for Christmas dinner.

  8. Evan Willey

    2.) Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the civil rights movement” simply because he had the courage to take the trip the the Deep South. Dr. Shirley could have easily stayed in the North and have people awe over his playing in places where his race wasn’t segregated against. But instead, Dr. Shirley chooses to take the tour and challenge the dynamic of segregation within the South. By showing the people that an African American can be very talented in a very refined musical instrument such as the piano. None of these Whites in the deep South have ever been able to see an African American with this level of knowledge and skill like that of Dr. Shirley. Along the course of the tour, Dr. Shirley rejects using any segregated facilities. He sticks to this so strongly that he won’t play the last show because the restaurant won’t allow him to eat in the dining hall where he was going to play. The hope of this tour was to open the minds of some of these whites living in the Deep South to the fact that African Americans are capable as just as much as Whites and Dr. Shirley reflects this with his ability to play the piano.

    3.) Throughout the movie, many historical elements are shown to put the movie into the 1960’s. A major aspect are the Jim Crow Laws. While in the South, they come into trouble with various restrictions imposed on Dr. Shirley. For example, the men are arrested while driving because Dr. Shirley is violating the “sundown law” that restricts African Americans to be out past the sunset. The two are jailed for this after Tony punches the cop for insulting him for driving around an African American man. Even the title of the movie itself is a historical aspect. The “Green Book” being a guideline of where African Americans can and cannot stay or where they can or cannot eat. Tony has to stay in a seperate hotel from Dr. Shirley in some cities due to the segregation laws. Probably the most important run in with segregation was in the culminating show when they leave without Dr. Shirley performing because he can’t eat in the dining hall.

    4.) Dr. Shirley and Tony had a very rough start to their relationship. In the beginning, Tony disliked Dr. Shirley because he had very tough expectations for Tony and wanted him to change the way he acted. Dr. Shirley commonly ridiculed Tony for using inappropriate language or having poor manners. Tony didn’t like how Dr. Shirley was correcting him because Tony wanted to strictly be his driver and not be held to thee standards. But slowly, Dr. Shirley and Tony start to find a balance in their likes and start to really click. A signifying scene of the start of their friendship is when Tony forces Dr. Shirley to try the fried chicken. This is Dr. Shirley stepping out of his comfort zone to try something Tony really likes. Another thing they bond over is Dr. Shirley helping Tony write letters to his wife. The strength of their friendship is shown when Tony allows Dr. Shirley to not perform at the Birmingham show because they won’t serve him in the restaurant. Tony agrees even though it means he won’t get the bonus promised for Dr. Shirley playing all of his shows.

  9. Lily Abraam

    Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America showed great detail. For example, not even Tony Lip knew, which was his best friend in the movie. When Tony and Dr. Shirley were at a stop during the tour, Tony got a call saying to come to the YMCA. As soon as Tony arrived he found Dr. Shirley and another man in the bathroom. This is an example of Jim Crow America because at the time being gay was not accepted. Ali faced the hardship of being Black in the 60s because at one of his shows he asked where the restroom was and got pointed to an outhouse outside. Dr. Shirley refused to go to the bathroom and Tony drove him to the hotel for the bathroom. Also, Dr. Shirley was not allowed to stay at the same hotel as Tony because of his skin color, which is what the Green Book was. The Green Book is hotels/motels where African Americans could stay around the country in the 60s. In music, Dr. Shirley is not accepted because he does not play “black music” and he is not accepted by white people because he is black.
    Elements from the film show it takes place in the 60s is what people wear and do. For example, the women in the 60s who wore boots and dresses. Another thing that shows it was meant to take place in the 60s was the use of cigarettes. Almost everywhere Tony and Dr. Shirley go, Tony is lighting up a cigarette. This is different from today because back then it was legal to smoke in hotels, restaurants, and theaters. Now, in most states, it is illegal to smoke inside the store. Another example to show the movie takes place in the 60s is the rights for African Americans. In the movie, Dr. Shirley is not able to use the same bathrooms, stay in the same hotels, or even shop where he wants. This is different from today because African Americans have the same rights as whites.
    Tony and Dr. Shirley go from not getting along to being the best of friends after the trip because of the time they spent with each other. In the beginning, when Tony got the job to be the driver, he was just doing it for the money to supply for his family. Throughout the movie, they began to communicate more and share their life. In the beginning, they also didn’t like each other because of the different backgrounds they came from. Tony liked to take things aggressively and Dr. Shirley was the calm rule follower. For example, they bonded when Tony introduced Dr. Shirley to fried chicken. Even though this was a small thing it helped them agree on something. Also, when Dr. Shirley helps Tony write letters to his wife. For example, Dr. Shirley tries to help Tony learn better words and better language. By the end of the movie, they become best friends and understand where each other are coming from. Tony even invites Dr. Shirley over the Christmas dinner because he knows Dr. Shirley has no one to celebrate with.

  10. Jake Chernow

    2. In the movie “Green Book,” African American classical pianist Dr. Shirley suffered abhorrent racism from many southern whites. Throughout the movie, example after example of evidence of the racial divide in this country during the 1960s was shown. In various scenes, the indignities of segregation and racism dominated the screen. Dr. Shirley was not allowed to use the bathroom in one of the mansions he was to perform in, and he wasn’t allowed to eat dinner in the dining room of a country club in which he was scheduled to play. Additionally, he was given a broom closet as his dressing room. These injustices surrounding the behaviors of the people in the venues where Dr. Shirley played just touched the surface of the deep racism that existed in the 1962 south. Throughout his tour through the southern states, Dr. Shirley was only allowed to stay in certain hotels that were barely inhabitable and fit more for animals than people. He was taken to jail for being out after sundown in a state where blacks were forced into their homes before the sunset under “sunset laws.” He was not allowed to try on a suit in a clothing store. Most disturbingly, he was beaten and assaulted by four white southern men in a bar. The racist comments made by these men were among the worst imaginable. Shockingly, Dr. Shirley knowingly subjected himself to this treatment by venturing into the deeply racist south to perform. Dr. Shirley had a deep understanding of the way his racist, southern audiences viewed him and what they thought of him and his people. Nonetheless, night after night he provided them with wonderful entertainment while demonstrating dignity and intelligence. He was highly regarded and even admired while on stage, however even in the moments just before and directly after he took his place behind the piano, he suffered from abhorrent racism. Although Shirley could easily have stayed in safer, northern states performing piano and making a living, Shirley made a choice to instead, tour in the Deep South as a way to fight racism and help the Civil Rights Movement. Choosing to perform piano throughout the deep south in 1962 was a classical pianist, Dr. Shirley’s way to take a stance against racial discrimination. In a non-violent manner, Dr. Shirley’s tour through the deeply racist south put him “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement.” By planning a tour through the south and accepting invitations to perform for many racists and bigots, Dr. Shirley sought to penetrate stereotypes to change the hearts and minds of racists and teach tolerance. He did not cower from traveling through the racist states and with each of his performances he demonstrated just how intelligent, talented and dignified African Americans are and just how much every human being should be treated equally.

    4. As they embarked on their two-month excursion through the Deep South in 1962, Tony and Doc Shirley clearly differ significantly and neither one accepts the other. Not only are they different races, but they also differ in class, education, and upbringing. It’s an immediate culture clash between Tony, and Doc. Tony’s education was in the streets, Doc studied at Harvard. Tony eats fast food and listens to pop music on the radio, Doc has never tried KFC and only knows classical composers. Tony Is shown as racist, both before embarking on the road trip, and during the first part of the travels. In striking scenes, he refers to black people using racial slurs, and he even throws out glasses that black repair men drank out of while doing work in his home. He believes they can never be used again because black men used the glasses. Doc is shown immediately as wealthy, talented, educated, dignified and well mannered. Shirley finds Tony’s behaviors disgusting, and he looks down on the way Tony speaks and writes and the way Tony lacks intelligence, composure, and manners. During their long car rides, however, they make a connection that transcends their race and class differences. Although the two could not be more different, by the movie’s conclusion the characters have moved from a place of barely tolerating each other to a place of real friendship. The transformation from intolerance to friendship is seen in many scenes. For example, Tony begins to respect and admire Doc after seeing his incredible talent at piano. Tony is awed by Doc’s intelligence, and this is seen when Doc helps Tony write beautiful letters to Delores. Additionally, and most importantly, Tony begins to see the horrors and injustices of the racism and bigotry directed at Doc throughout the movie, and he even starts to take it personally. Tony fights, protects and rescues Doc and he is disgusted by the treatment his friend receives. In scenes where Doc is not allowed to dine with the whites in the country club, where Doc is thrown out of clothing shops, not allowed to use bathrooms, beaten and assaulted at bars and arrested for meeting a man at night, Tony not only protects Doc because it is his job, he does it because Doc has become his friend. The most profound example of their friendship is seen in two scenes. The first is when Tony sleeps in the disgusting hotel for African Americans with Doc when he could comfortably sleep in a much nicer hotel. He’d rather be with Doc then enjoy nicer accommodations. Likewise, in the final scene where Doc drives through the snowstorm to assure that Tony can keep his promise to his family to be home for Christmas their true friendship is displayed. Finally, Doc arrives at Tony’s to celebrate Christmas with his family and it is clear that the two are the closest of friends.

    3. When creating a period piece, the ability to draw the viewer into the time period is essential. The movie Green Book’s perfect recreation of America in the early 1960s was paramount to the success of the film. The clothes, cars, signage, architecture, furniture, and landscape all had to be reminiscent of 1962. From the beginning scenes at the Copacabana through the final scene in the 1962 Bronx apartment of Tony Lip, the movie perfectly portrayed the period. Through the use of many elements, the journey back in time was evident, and the viewers were taken to an America of 1962. For example, the set design was particularly accurate in depicting the time era. The apartment in the Bronx had appliances and furniture of the 1960s. It was also decorated like an apartment of that year would have been decorated with browns and yellows and cabinetry and lighting indicative of that era. Additionally, the first scene takes place in a renowned nightclub of the era called Copacabana. Viewers were immediately aware that the setting and time period was the 1960’s because of the use of the famous New York City nightclub. The car used was one of the most essential elements to help set the time frame. They used a 1962 Cadillac sedan deVilles. The costumes also helped create the period piece. The women wore skirts and cardigans in 60’s style while Doc Shirley wore tuxedos similar to those that musicians of the 1960s wore. The musical instruments The Don Shirley Trio played in the film were also from 1960. The Steinway pianos, the violin — those instruments were all the same type of instruments that people of that era played. In a specific scene of the film, Tony asks Doc if he knows various popular singers and musicians of the time like Aretha Franklin. This scene helped continue to keep the viewer in the 1960s Because the artists were all popular in America in 1962. Of course, the actual Green Book that helped guide African Americans to the safest locations throughout the racist south specifically let anyone watching the film know that the time period was during the Jim Crow years when this book was used. Likewise, the laws that existed and tormented the characters were those that were from the 1960s. For example, the sunset law that required that African Americans be in their homes by sundown depicted the 1960’s, and the scene where Doc Shirley is arrested for meeting another man at a YMCA keeps the viewer aware that the film takes place in 1962 when being gay was also against the law. With the script, performances, music, set design, costumes, props and locations, the film emphasized reality and authenticity in its depiction of America in 1962. Front start to finish, there was no doubt that this film took place in America in the year 1962.

  11. Isaac Michaels

    2. Being a black person in the South in 1962 was dangerous enough, as the majority of people were very racist. Dr. Shirley took the danger to a whole new level when he played his piano. Although many whites thought he was a great player and a smart man, he was still discriminated against many times, like when he was refused a seat to eat dinner at the Southern mansion. He could have played in the North for far more money, but decided to play in the South to help disprove stereotypes. Going to places like these, where even the cops are racist, is dangerous, but when he refused to play when he couldn’t have dinner at the mansion it showed that Dr. Shirley was fighting racism while putting his life on the line.

    4. In the beginning of the movie, Tony is very racist. He throws away the cups that the black workers drank from, and was a very ignorant man. Dr. Shirley was an exact opposite, being an intellectual who went to a good school. They were both living in very different ways, Shirley being rich and Tony having to place bets just to get a little extra cash. Because of how different they were, they had a hard time understanding each other in the beginning of the film. Dr. Shirley though Tony was very uncivilized, like when he stole the polished stone or ate the KFC with his fingers and littered. As the movie progresses, they start to understand one another. Being in such close proximity for so long let them understand each other’s backgrounds, and let them understand why they act the way they act. By the end of the movie, they were enjoying life together, both accepting the way the other acts. Dr. Shirley enjoyed “less civilized” activities, like playing in a bar, and Tony acted formal for him. The movie ended with them Dr, Shirley enjoying a Christmas dinner with Tony’s family, showing how close they became.

    5. Even though this movie was made a long time ago, it still relates to today as races are still separated and stereotyped. The movie uses the stereotypes in reverse, as Tony has the poor black stereotypes and Dr. Shirley has the rich white ones. I think that today these stereotypes still exist, and they make people judge others before even meeting them. Tony even said in the car, I’m blacker than you, to Dr. Shirley. He meant this because he fit in with the Black stereotypes better than Dr. Shirley did, as there were very few smart, upper class blacks at the time. I think that if this movie was made today, it would still play out the same. Even though he details would be adjusted, the stereotypes would still be in affect and the relationship between Tony and Shirley would be the same. I think that this movie shows that the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is very true, and are words to live by.

  12. Sophi Whitman

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front line of the Civil Right Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962 due to the fact that it was uncommon. In the 60s, segregation was extremely strong and very prevalent in the south. It was a big decision for Don to agree to travel and play in the south knowing the dangers associated with it. Dr. Shirley wanted to prove everybody wrong and go against the social norms. He knew what he was exposing himself to but, continued with it to show his skills and demonstrate that an African American can have the same talent as a White person. He took this southern tour for three times less money than if he would’ve played in the north. It wasn’t about money, obviously, it was for African Americans that were harassed by Whites during that horrific time. He wanted to take a stand and begin a revolution. The last show was a monumental performance due to the fact that the last time a black musician played there, he was severely harmed and hurt. He took on that encounter with pride and dignity. He was “on the front line of the Civil Right Movement” because his actions influenced the movement. His entire message was for African Americans to have equally with Whites. His ideas and morals shown were the base of the entire Civil Rights motion.

    3. In the movie, many factors portrayed gave the idea that it was based in the 1960s, specifically in 1962. To begin with, there was obviously segregation, the heavy use of the n-word, and Jim Crow Laws. The end of the Civil Rights Movement and abolishment of the Jim Crow laws occurred in 1965 and 1968. The characters traveled to the south, where segregation was the strongest, and struggled with their way of life. Don hired Tony so that he would protect him from the racism in the south. Knowing that the end of segregation wasn’t over yet, we can infer that this experience was based in 1962. Additionally, there were many references to John F. Kennedy, who was in office until 1963, and Robert Kennedy, the Attorney General in 1962. Another aspect shown was the lifestyle of the 60s. The cars, outfits, and music all proved that this movie focused on 1962. Women were shown wearing modest clothes, relating back to the 60s trends. Don also owned a 1962 Cadillac, knowing his desire to always have new things, this most likely means that he owned the newest form of the Cadillac.

    5. “Green Book” expresses a message that still speaks to its audience even 50 years after its time period. It unites people and shows them once again that you should never judge people by their skin color. People feel grateful after watching this movie and experiencing all of the hardships Dr. Shirley faced based on something he couldn’t control. It shows how far America has come in relation to equality but, also how much further we can go. In today’s world, most people feel lost, alone, and confused. It seems as though everybody is against each other and ununited. I think the message of this story is that no matter your skin color, political party, religion, gender, etc we need to stand together and appreciate people’s differences. This movie speaks to the people because the theme relates to the present day and proves relevant in the modern world.

  13. Taylor Mahle

    Green Book Blog
    2. Doctor Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” by setting an example for other African Americans, such as an inspiration like Martin Luther. In the movie, there are many key scenes that show Shirley standing up for social injustice. When the Shirley gets to Birmingham, Alabama for his last show, the rest of his trio and Tony are eating at the restaurant where Don will perform later. However, when Don tries to go sit down with them, the host tells him he can’t eat here. Tony eventually comes over and they still don’t allow Don to eat, so they refuse to perform and leave. Knowing that neither men will get paid. During the time they’re leaving, it seems to make a scene in the restaurant, catching the eyes of the African American servers, who seem to slightly smile. Don represents a role model for these servers, showing them to stand up for their right. Another example is in the middle of the movie, when both men on the road, Tony gets pulled over by the police, at night. During this scene, it is pouring rain and Tony is asked to step out of his car. Tony and the police officer start to have a conversation and eventually Don is asked to step out of the car for no reason. Within a few seconds, Tony and the police officer get into an argument and he calls Tony the N-word, due to his accent, which leads Tony to punch him in the face. However, they both get sent down to the station, as Don had done nothing wrong. Soon enough Don asks for his one call, as it is a right. They let him call and Don calls the president. This caused the officers to get yelled at over the phone by the governor and having to let them go. Overall, Don Shirley played a small role in the big scheme of the Civil Rights Movement, yet he seemed to be doing one of the hardest things in the 1960s. As he was a famous black pianist who still stood up for his rights.

    3. In Green book, you can tell right away it takes place back in time, from the many details put into the movie. At the club Tony works at, the music is older as a white man sings on stage with a band. You also see the Women’s clothing, as it has longer skirts and dresses, a more conservative look. Smoking cigarettes, was in a lot of scenes, which gives us a glimpse of back to 1960s when people smoked more often. The car Tony, drives, a blue Cadillac from 1962. However, the biggest detail is the segregation. We see this through the Green Book, which shows Don where he can stay as a colored man in the South. We see the tension that Tony and his family show when two black workers come over to Tony’s house, to fix something. We see Don not being allowed to go to the Bathroom inside one of the places he performs. Those are just some, details shown to the audience that takes you back to the 1960s.

    4. Don and Tony’s relationship changed to a great friendship from growing throughout the tour. Tony starts off with racist views, which his family also seem to have. Even when he gets the job to work for Don, many doubt he will do it the whole time. However, both seem to grow on each other. Both characters personalities are so different, with Don being quiet, and Tony being loud and tough. Don keeps Tony on his toes, knowing when he is doing something wrong, like gambling or stealing. A good scene is when they get KFC, Tony offers some to Don, and eventually, he takes some, and become less uptight in the scene. As they both talk, laugh and eat their fried chicken. Don also helps Tony write romantic letters back home to his wife. Both these things help to grow in their relationship. Eventually, their friendship ends with Tony inviting Don to Christmas, with his family.

  14. Annika Paluda

    2. As Dr. Shirley embarked on his piano tour through the deep South, he was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement.” Due to the harsh racist climate of the South at the time, it was a dangerous place for any black person, let alone a black person in the spotlight. Even though Shirley was respected by many people, black and white, there was a large amount of people displeased with his success as a musician of color. As humans, people hate change. The conservative whites at the time feared the change of seeing African Americans as equal to themselves. Throughout the movie, Dr. Shirley faced a lot of criticism, hate, and negative comments. But he also helped make great advances for the African American community and served as a powerful figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
    4. As an audience, we see the friendship between Tony and Shirley develop over time. In the beginning of the movie, Shirley was only interested in hiring Tony for driving him. He saw Tony as his employee, not friend, and didn’t wish for anything more. Tony acted in a similar manner towards Shirley; Tony showed clear acts of racism in the beginning of the movie too, which made the audience even more surprised when they began to truly become friends. When Tony first started driving Shirley, his racism revealed itself through the stereotypes he had about him. Their rides together were hostile and tense at first, but as the men started to understand each other, they became enjoyable. When the two toured through the South, Tony began to see how Shirley strove for respect and how hard he worked for it. Shirley often did not receive the respect that he seeked, but he kept going. Shirley’s perseverance made Tony understand him better as a person and friend. Shirley sensed the respect he had earned with Tony and his temper for him grew as he started to learn more about Tony. Shirley helped Tony write his wife letters and was happy to do so. This brought the men to be closer than they ever imagined and ultimately got them to a place of true friendship after barely being able to tolerate each other.
    5. Though social conditions in America today are nowhere near as bad as the ones in the 1960s, African Americans still face discrimination in society. Green Book showed how badly African Americans wanted to be accepted in society. They wanted to prove that skin color doesn’t matter. The unlikely friendship between Dr. Shirley and Tony Lip is a great example of how physical differences don’t determine someone’s true character; even today’s people can find a valuable lesson in their friendship. Even though Dr. Shirley and Tony were almost complete opposites, physically and socially, they grew to trust, support, help, and comfort each other. The strong bond that they developed symbolizes the insignificance of diversity when it comes to relationships. Today, there are so many conflicts that divide people everywhere: religion, race, social class, politics, etc. People often let their differences prevent the possibility of great things. Shirley and Tony’s friendship shows that differences don’t always have to lead to disdain.

  15. Dominick Stoops

    2. Dr. Shirley was on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement because at this time he was on of the pianists in America. Even though he knew a tour in the South would be risky he still pursued the task. In the south he wasn’t seen as anything different than just another black man, he was still looked down upon, even though he was playing for all of these white people. He was on the front lines because he was in the deep south, he was a black man bringing change to the most dangerous place in America for black men, and women. He didn’t really want to prove anything to anyone, but himself. He wanted to prove something to himself that the black struggles in the south were also his struggles. He was living a life of privilege in new york, at this time it was super rare for blacks, but he wanted to prove something for himself. So he put himself right into the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, and the monster of racism in America at that time.
    3. In the film you could tell that the story took place in 1962. In the film there were many references to the Jim Crow laws, and the segregation in the south. In the movie an example of racism, was when Don went to buy a suit, but he couldn’t try it on since there were no black fitting rooms. This ended up with just Don and Tony leaving the store. Another time is when Don and Tony went on tour in the south. In one of his tour stops he was going to play for all of these people, but they denied him the right to sit with them while they ate dinner. This ended up with Don saying no, and he left the show. These are just a few elements of history that let us know that this film was portrayed in 1962. Overall you could tell from the racism in the south and the way people reacted to the racism.
    4. Dr. Shirley and Tony weren’t friends in the beginning. In the beginning they both saw each other with prejudice tendencies, that they were both agreeing to all stereotypes about each others race. During the car rides they began to tolerate each other. You could see them shift from not being friends, to being the best of friends. They learned that just because they were different races they were still like one another. They began to see that it doesn’t matter what race you are, that being the best of friends does not depend on color, but what’s inside. This movement happened over a period time, but it still happened.

  16. Monica Inda

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962 because of the Jim Crow Laws set in place in America. Dr. Shirley could have played a piano tour in the North three times the pay, yet he decided to defy the expectations of an African American man in the time period. Instead of sticking to the black man stereotype of playing soul music, Dr. Shirley played very classical pieces that showed off his posh and sophistication. Furthermore, he toured in the south, which was very, very segregated and dangerous for an African American man to be. Although Dr. Shirley knew that the whites would only welcome him for that short time he was on stage, he played the tour that many black musicians would never imagine to take. Throughout the tour, Dr. Shirley is challenged with blatant examples of racism, one of which when he was playing in a white man’s house. Dr. Shirley asked to use the restroom to which the man showed him to an outhouse. Dr. Shirley refused to use the bathroom outside and instead drove all the way back to his hotel room, protesting the way the man treated African Americans. This showed that, even on tour, Dr. Shirley was fighting for civil rights.
    3. The historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962 were everywhere throughout the movie. For example, all the women in the movie wore conservative dresses and cooked for their families. Additionally, throughout the movie, people look confused whenever they see Tony driving around Dr. Shirley. This is indicative of the time period because of the fact that it was very uncommon for blacks and whites to be friendly and even more uncommon for a white man to work for a black one. Moreover, Tony and Dr. Shirley are arrested for breaking the curfew for blacks to be driving at night through a “sundown town,” forbidding African American people from a certain neighborhood. This discriminatory act is reminiscent of the time period as most of these towns have been abolished, yet there are many that still stand today. After the arrest, Dr. Shirley makes a call to Robert Kennedy, which is another clue into the time period as he was the attorney general from 1961-1964. The most prevalent historical element in all of “Green Book” is the green book itself, as well as the Jim Crow laws. Tony and Dr. Shirley have to abide by these throughout the whole movie, even sleeping in different hotels at certain points. Tony doesn’t even know that the green book exists until meeting Dr. Shirley which proves another aspect of this timeline- whites didn’t realize all of what African Americans had to go through.
    4. Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie by putting aside other thoughts and presumptions and really getting to know one another. At the very beginning of the movie, two African American men are repairing Tony’s families kitchen sink. We see that the rest of the men in the Vallelonga family have shown up at Tony’s hose to “protect” Delores, Tony’s wife. Afterward, Tony throws away the two cups that the men have drank out of, disappointing Delores. This shows that the men of the Vallelonga family are racist, based on this scene. Even after being employed by Dr. Shirley, Tony still seems to hold Dr. Shirley to stereotypes, assuming the kind of music he listens to and the food he eats. Although Tony has these previous precedents on Dr. Shirley, as the tour continues, they seem to open up to each other. Tony helps Dr. Shirley out of some situations regarding Dr. Shirley’s race and sexuality and Dr. Shirley “helps” Tony write fancy, sophisticated poems and letters to send to Delores. They both seem to start thinking of each other as equals. By the end of the trip, both Tony and Dr. Shirley have grown quite close, and Tony even turns down a job working for someone else, showcasing that he is not embarrassed to be with or working for a black man. This loyalty is returned when on Christmas Eve, when Tony is too tired to drive, Dr. Shirley lets Tony rest and drives him all the way back to his house in New York. They end up spending that Christmas together, proving how far their relationship had come.

  17. Matthew Inda

    2. Dr. Shirley was on the “front lines” of the civil rights movement by playing piano in the deep south as locations in the area were still segregated based on race, which denied blacks service to certain services. Additionally, few black pianists played for large crowds of whites in the south during the 1960s, making him one of the first to show that it was possible for anyone, no matter skin color, could do what they wanted. However, several locations in which they were to play felt as if Shirley shouldn’t be able to. One example is how before playing, Dr. Shirley wanted to eat with the rest of the people, but the host denied him service, resulting in him and Tony to walk out on the meal and the performance which Shirley’s group was to play.

    3. Throughout the film, many elements showed that it took place around 1962. Firstly, there was still racism during the time period, which was shown through most of the locations in which Dr. Shirley and Tony visited. One example was the jail after Tony had punched the officer and sent both individuals there. Although Dr. Shirley had done nothing wrong, he was still punished as he was an African American. Additionally, Dr. Shirley was denied the right to eat at a higher-class white-only restaurant due to his skin color. Secondly, the Green Book that Tony received served as a monumental indicator of the time period. Many locations in the south were racist, and the book told Tony where and where not it was safe to go to visit, eat, or any other action. Lastly, there were many physical items that gave the time period away, including older-fashioned outfits and telephones.

    4. Near the beginning of the movie, Dr. Shirley was hesitant of Tony, due to the fact that he believed that Tony had questionable thoughts about working for an African American. This was true, as before Tony left his home, two African American people were in his home using glasses after working, and Tony threw them in the trash. Dr. Shirley even asked Tony if he was okay taking the position. Driving together near the start of the movie was awkward, and both men didn’t understand each other until certain events occurred. An example is when Tony calls Dr. Shirley the “least black” African American he had ever met, which made Shirley get out of the car and explain who he was; a man who wasn’t accepted by whites because of his skin color and a man who wasn’t accepted by blacks because of the way he acts. However, many instances led to the strengthening of their relationship, such as tony standing up for Shirley when Shirley was refused service at the white restaurant in which he was to play at. Additionally, while driving, Shirley tried fast-food chicken with Tony, which he stated he had never done before, and enjoyed it. Lastly, Shirley helped Tony write letters home to his wife, which she was overjoyed to read. These factors led to them not only spending Christmas together that year but becoming good friends for the rest of their lives.

  18. Sam Mercer

    2. Dr. Shirley was “On the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” by playing the piano on a tour of the Deep South in 1962 because he was a black musician who was performing in the south which was a place more racist than his home in the north. Dr. Shirley was a very successful musician who was going on a giant tour in the South right at an important time in the Civil Rights Movement. He was a part of the Civil Rights Movement by deciding to go down to very segregated states in the south where it seemed he wasn’t welcomed and where he definitely wasn’t treated fairly. I think Dr. Shirley really wanted to be a part of the Civil Rights MOvement by going on this tour at segregated southern venues. There was a certain point in the movie where one of the members of Dr. Shirly’s trio says “Don chose to come to do this tour in the south and he could be getting paid triple what he’s getting paid now doing these same performances in the North”. Overall I think that Dr. Shirley wanted to make a statement saying that he wasn’t gonna let segregation stop him from performing where he wants.
    4. The first time Dr. Shirley and Tony interact is at Dr. Shirley’s home when Tony is applying for the job of driving Don through the Deep South. Once Don starts describing to Tony all the jobs he would have to do on this trip it already seems that these two will not get along. Tony has a racist opinion of African-American people at the beginning of the film so he doesn’t have a nice opinion of Donnie. On the first parts of the trip, Donnie and Tony don’t get along at all. Donnie sometimes has problems with what Tony is doing while driving like when he is eating or drinking in the car. Tony does not like how formal Donnie is and they always get into arguments. Eventually, the two start to get along better throughout the trip with Tony introducing new things to Donnie and Donnie helping Tony with his letters to his wife. The two go through a lot throughout the trip which eventually makes them closer. Throughout the film, Donnie gets into trouble in the south where Tony has to come to help him out of the situation and all these situations make them closer. By the end of the movie, Donnie goes and celebrates Christmas with Tony’s family.
    5. The movie speaks to the whole country today about treating people with kindness and getting to know someone better before judging them and having an opinion. At the beginning of the movie, Tony had racist views towards African-Americans but eventually when he got to know Dr. Shirley and got closer with him they became friends. Tony had a racist opinion about African-Americans at the beginning of the film throwing out two water glasses used by African-American plumbers in his house but later has he got to know Dr. Shirley, An African-American, better he changed his view and even went to a mainly coloreds only restaurant at the end of the movie. I think this movie is trying to say that people in this country today need to get to know people first before hating an entire Religion or Race.

  19. Andrew Inda

    3. Throughout this movie, there are many instances that support that the movie takes place in 1962. A main giveaway was the heavy amount of segregation and racism at the time. From the cops pulling Shirley and Tony over for no reason to Tony putting the two cups used by African Americans in the trash, there were many instances that showed the racial tensions of the time. Another instance was when Shirley called Robert Kennedy to bail them out of prison. As they were locked up when Tony punched the cop, Shirley contacted him as the police would not let them go. Robert Kennedy was in his position during this time, stressing the time period further. A third instance that showed the movie’s time period was just through possessions and norms shown. The cars shown looked from the ‘60s, KFC’s were pretty new at the time, and women’s clothing seemed more conservative and a different style than today. Smoking also seemed to be a much bigger thing described in the movie than it is today or before this time.

    4. Tony and Dr. Shirley eventually move on from their differences and begin to tolerate and respect one another by the end of the movie through the long trip together. Prior to them leaving, it is safe to assume that Tony had no idea how strugglesome it was for African Americans and racism at the time. He was constantly racist towards them, shown by him throwing away two cups African Americans used in his house. The trip definitely showed him this, in multiple instances. For example, Dr. Shirley was refused to be served at a dinner party that he was invited to play at, and was told to eat elsewhere. Tony finally understood just how difficult Shirley’s life was, and did not think it was fair for him. Once Tony started to relate to Dr. Shirley, they started to get along extremely well, with each of them teaching each other some new things. This was shown through their content engaging conversations, as well as the letters Tony sent to his wife with Dr. Shirley’s help. Both of them became extremely loyal to one another, leading up to the lasting friendship shown at Tony’s Christmas party.

    5. Dr. Shirley was in front of the line in the civil rights movement through his bravery traveling to the deep south to play the piano. As the South was extremely segregated, he had known that this would be an extremely stressful and difficult trip. By playing the piano and showing his skills to so many whites, he was trying to prove how similar African Americans are to whites overall. During his performances, Shirley also had to deal with the racism down there, from being assaulted to being pulled over for no reason. Shirley could have easily played in the North and made much more money, but spreading his point across the South was more important to him than that, sparking his trip in the first place.

  20. Liam O'Gorman

    2.At one point in the film, one of Dr. Shirley’s partners says he toured in the south on purpose which put him on the front lines of the civil rights movement being an established piano player. He could’ve chosen to go anywhere else to play but he chose to play in the place where his race is segregated against and stand up to racism such as when he played in Birmingham, Alabama and refused to play if he wasn’t able to get a table to eat. Eventually they refused and he left, teaching them the consequences of their actions and shining light onto how unfairly treated african americans during the 1960s. Being bold enough to do that and make a statement put him on the front lines of the civil rights movement.

    4.Tony was desperate for money and decided to take a chauffeur job for Dr. Shirley. At first Tony is shown as arrogant and doesn’t seem racist but aligns himself with racist friends. During this chauffeur/bodyguard job, they start to get closer from incidents like the bar fight where Tony gets them out of the situation. Some of the more lighthearted things like the KFC joke improved their relationship by changing cultures of the rich and elegant with Tony’s culture. In the end the best thing that pulls them is their views aligning. They teach eachother lessons too and that also brings them together like with the rock and how Tony is unfazed by stealing it yet Dr. Shirley insists that he return it.

    5.The friendship between Tony and Dr. Shirley reaches audiences today because it shows that despite all the horrors of the time its possible for people of both sides to come together. Friendship can overcome hatred which is expressed in this movie with Dr. Shirley become friends with Tony despite their differences. I’m sure some people reacted by relating to the movie by being the polar opposite from someone else you could still become friends. People probably also were surprised at the amount of segregation in the video and never thought it was that serious.

  21. Veronica Szuma

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962 because he was willing to entertain a group of people, many of whom were racist, and go through the tribulations in order to show that black people were just as good as white people; they could play music beautifully, they were articulate, and they were able to do great things. He was willing to withstand the great amounts of backlash and harassment from white people, and was even willing to be paid less than he was in New York, in order to spread his message. Dr. Shirley chose a peaceful method of protesting the mistreatment of black people, and stuck to his values. One of his quiet protests was when he drove all the way back to the hotel to use the bathroom because the white homeowner would not let him use the white bathroom in his house. Another was when he refused to play his last show in Alabama because he was not allowed to eat in the restaurant he would be playing at.

    4. Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie through their shared experiences. In the beginning, Tony is very racist, which is evident when he throws away two glasses that black repair use to drink out of after they fix an appliance in his kitchen. It is also evident in the way the rest of his family, besides his wife, talk about black people. When Tony starts driving Dr. Shirley, he says things about how Dr. Shirley should like certain music and food because they’re from “his people”. He doesn’t understand the complexity of Dr. Shirley and the points he’s trying to prove. Once Tony sees how beautifully Dr. Shirley can play, he thinks Dr. Shirley is a genius. He also gains more sympathy for Dr. Shirley when he learns about Dr. Shirley’s brother and when he witnesses the blatant racism towards Dr. Shirley in the South. Dr. Shirley realizes Tony’s loyalty and respect when Tony turns down a mob job to see his commitment through. He also sees his love for his family in the letters he writes home. The way Tony sticks up for Dr. Shirley many times proves that he cares, as well. Through tough shared experiences, the two develop a very strong friendship.

    5. Even though the film is about a friendship from over 50 years ago, it still speaks to audiences today because it shows that everyone can learn from each other and friendships from the most unlikely pair are possible, as long as you keep an open mind. This film showed that you can’t judge a book by its cover because everyone has a complexity that is not revealed on the surface. We have to be able to work and learn in order to better ourselves. The movie also pointed out some racism that still happens today. For example, the trouble that Dr. Shirley has with unjust policemen is still evident with several police brutality cases against black people in the last year or so. It also makes today’s audience think about the thoughts they have that could be prejudiced, and they may not even notice.

  22. Ted Schwartz

    1. Throughout the film, the highly educated Dr. Shirley is faced with many stereotypes and hardships based around his race. While he and Tony develop a close friendship throughout the film, and Tony is from the start shown as a good man with good morales, he also has some misconceptions towards black people. This is shown in dialogues like when he is surprised that Shirley does not know who Aretha Franklin is and that he’s never had fried chicken and questions whether “Doc” was black. In a more serious scene, when they first enter the South, the two are separated because they have to stay in different hotels. When Shirley is at a bar drinking by himself, he is assaulted by a group of white men and is luckily rescued by Tony. Because of the racist laws of the time,people had a sense that white and black people should be separate and that black people all acted in a specific way. This explains why a person like Shirley who is very articulate and well put together would not seem black to someone like Tony as well as why he would be attacked in the bar.
    2. Shirley’s decision to perform in the south was making a statement and inspired many in the Civil Rights Movement. As the movie goes on, all of the things that make performing in certain places much more difficult for him than for a white artist show why doing this tour was a big deal. At one venue, he is not allowed to use the bathroom and is told to use an outhouse. The fact that this tour could happen in at all meant that the south was moving closer to accepting that black people were people too and could be just as talented as any white person.
    3. The setting is shown through small details like the types of cars and the overall tone made the movie feel like it was from around the 1950s-1960s era. It is also made clear that the setting must be from this period by the out of date treatings of black people, however the fact that a black musician was performing on tour in the south in the first place, as well as mentions of the Kennedys, showed that it must be in the 60s.
    4. At first Shirley saw Tony as ignorant and uncultured, while Tony thought that the pianist was stuck up. It is obvious unlikely pair have very little to nothing in common, making the formation of their friendship very slow. While this is true, it seems that each of them was exactly the person that the other needed at that time. Of course, Shirley was giving Tony much needed pay, but he also gave an enlightened thinking towards African American people, which was very necessary with how he threw away the glasses used by black workers at the start of the film. Shirley also helps Tony to write his letters to his wife and express his love in a more meaningful way. Tony returns the favor by allowing Shirley to live looser by introducing him to some less sophisticated things that he had previously had little experience with. They also gave each other a much needed real friendship, something that the lonely intellectual and the slick talking bouncer were both lacking in.
    5. The plot follows a similar format to many other movies that are based around friendship. Two people who are not alike and would even traditionally dislike each other defy the norms and become friends. The movie does a good job of making sure that you want both characters to win. The fact that one character is at times racist and the other is black gives hope that the people today that still have these misconceptions can still change their way of thinking. Generally people now want life to be better for everyone and want for things to change and the movie essentially serves as a way to fill that desire.

  23. Samuel Sundberg

    2. Not to many years before doctor Shirley played piano in the south, famous pianist jazz pianist, Nat King Cole, also played in the deep south explained in the movie by the cellist of the trio. Doctor Shirley thought that if he could do it so could he. He knew very well that there would be backlash against his race in the current time period. By doing this he was “at the front line of civil rights”. In one instance, they were driving in the south at night in the rain to their next destination and they were stopped by the police. The policemen had stopped them because the town they were driving through had a curfew. One of the policemen insisted on having both doctor Shirley and Tony get out of the car to be talked to while the other seemed nicer and questioned his fellow policeman’s orders. Tony was talking to the meaner one while he started talking about how bad it was to be associated with someone like doctor Shirley (in terms of race). During this conversation the policeman calls tony the n word and Tony punches him in the nose. They were then put in jail immediately. Another instance is when doctor Shirley was not allowed to eat with anyone else because of his race in Birmingham, Alabama. The owner insisted on him going to the other black friendly place to eat but Tony insisted Shirley eat there. The owner still wouldn’t let him eat there even after Tony pushed him up against a wall breaking it, so they said they wouldn’t play for a the other people.

    3. There were many things shown in the movie that showed it took place in the 1960s. One of the main things was all the smoking of cigarettes. Tony and his wife along with almost every guy on the streets were smoking. It was a well known thing to smoke in public and with the invention of cigarettes it made it a lot cheaper and easier to have a smoke. One place at the beginning of the movie was the Copacabana. In the song about the place, it is described as the hottest place north of Atlanta. This true seeing all the waiters and the people dancing in the club.It opened in the 40s and was at its most popular in the mid 60s with Sammy Davis’ show. The outfits of many of the southern men and women also contributed to the fact that it was in the 60s along with the diners and KFC they stopped at.

    5. The friendship formed between Tony and doctor Shirley was like no other. It was unseen for a white guy to be friends with a black man especially at the time of the civil rights movement. This friendship shows how in around sixty years the relationships between blacks and whites has changed drastically. Our former president, Barack Obama, was loved by many people and was seen as a very good president and is rated number 8 on the best president list last time I checked. The children of this era are growing up knowing that all the people on this planet can be friends with one another and they don’t have to receive any backlash.

  24. Nicholas Skinner

    3.
    One of the first hints for me was the cars, the types of cars they were driving around were from the late 50s – early 60s, I could tell as i watch meny historical movies and have been to many museums. When Dr. Shirley gave tony the greenbook, a guide to black-friendly hotels, restaurants and bars, indicating that the Jim Crow laws were still in effect. When tony was having a discussion with Dr. Shirley early on in the movie he mentioned the Cuban missile crisis, an event that took place in 1962. More examples of the Jim crow laws appear throughout the movie, in Kentucky the doctor was denied access to the indoor bathroom and asked to use the outhouse, in Baton Rouge he was not even allowed to dine at the establishment he was performing at. The most obvious hint was when Dr. Shirley called the Attorney General Robert Kennedy, this indicates that this took place while Kennedy was still president.

    2.
    While the Civil rights movement had a somewhat popular base in the north and out west, the hardest challenge was changing the laws of the deep south. The south had rebelled against the federal government in the 1860s when they felt there african-american slaves would be taken away from them. This ended in failure and the destruction of the south, this left meny bitter feelings towards former slaves, their descendants, and members of their race. These feelings were expressed through hate crimes and some of the strictest, racist and most enforced Jim crow laws in the country. By going on a tour in the deep south Dr. Shirley was on the front lines of the moment, performing in cities and states notorious for their treatment of blacks and in areas in which some of the hardest battles were fought.

    4.
    In the beginning of the movie Tony is racist as we see him throw away two glasses that the black carpenters had drunk from. He was also extremely hesitant in working for Dr. Shirley as he didn’t want to work for a black man. Early on in there trip they Tony makes many assumptions about Dr. Shirley, for example he assumed he liked fried chicken and that he listened to black artists. Over the length of the trip Tony sees the discrimination Dr. Shirley and other african-americans go through and has a change of heart. He begins to make less stereotypical assumptions and even scolds a family member for using a racial slur. In a return of gratitude Dr. Shirley drove the last part of the trip allowing Tony to get back to his family by Christmas Eve. These hardships that they excipenced together formed a bond of friendship that would last until their deaths.

  25. Aarani Balendran

    2) Although he was one of the greatest jazz pianists in the country, Dr. Shirley skin color still made people think they had the right to mistreat him. In the 1960s, the North was much more lax about segregation than the South. In turn, Shirley was praised for his talent, on and off the stage. He was living the best life he could in New York, but that was just it, he could only be able to live that kind of life in less than 50% of the country. Shirley wanted a change, and he thought that if no one was going to start, then nothing would happen. His southern tour was a way to start change. He was going to show the racists that having colored skin didn’t make you any less human. This was the beginning of a movement, and Shirley hoped, that with time, he would be able to eat in the same restaurant he was invited to play in. In other words, be given the equal American experience of a white man.

    3) Since segregation was so present in the movie, it can be inferred that the Movie took place sometime in the ’60s. Things like slang, music, entertainment, and technology are also key items in telling us this was from the past. A big part of the plotline is the Greenbook, a book filled with all the places a black man can dine, take shelter, and spend time in; this book was needed since, in the south, many places don’t allow people of color even step foot in their establishments. Another strong detail, found in the prison scene, is when Shirley calls Attorney General, Robert Kennedy. President Kennedy was in office in the 60s, justifying the time period of the movie.

    4) In the beginning of the movie Shirley and Tony were very distant. They were always pointing out each other’s flaws. Tony especially had his bias against Shirley because as much as he didn’t want to admit it he was racist. In the beginning of the movie Tony throws away two glass cups just because his wife let two black plumbers use them. We see that Tony lives in a very racist community and Tony believes in stereotypes surrounding African Americans. When Shirley and Tony first meet, Tony is shocked that a black man could live so luxuriously and be so famous. He also doesn’t understand why Shirley wants to do this tour if it is so dangerous. Shirley also has some negative first impressions of Tony. He always seemed to point out Tony’s cussing and his belief in stereotypes. As they spent more time together, both of them grew an understanding of the other and eventually were able to really help eachother. For example, Tony protected Shirley throughout his time in the south and was able to save him from a fight at a white bar. At the end of the movie, Tony stands up for Shirley’s mistreatment while also respecting Shirley’s wish of non-violence. Shirley also helps Tony become somewhat of a more sophisticated man. In the beginning of the trip, Tony was struggling to write letters to his wife, but in time, and with Shirley’s help, Tony’s letters become more heartfelt. These bonds they grew over time shifted Tony’s view of African Americans, and Tony was able to shift the views of many in his own community.

  26. Sydney Green

    2. Dr. Shirely was at the peak of the civil rights movement since he was in South by his personal choice. As said in the movie he could’ve stayed in the north, but he made three times the amount of money as in the south by playing the same thing. Despite that, he decided to go to the south hoping to prove all of the racists wrong and prove that he was capable. He did this to prove to the whites that blacks are capable of doing things and for them thinking less of blacks. He wanted to prove himself as a brilliant black ma, and to set a good example for blacks. As seen in the movie, when the people stopped working and stared at Shirely when he left his car. He was ok with being treated poorly and making less.
    5. The movie represents to the modern day audience that despite us looking different doesn’t mean we can’t be friends with people that look different. We make friends based off who they are as a person and not by appearance or materialistic things. We can see in our country today the division of people through class, politics and race. Even though we are somewhat split apart in the movie it shows we can overcome it, just as Dr. Shirley did.
    3. There are many historical elements seen in the movie that makes it obvious that it takes place in the 60s. One big thing is through racism. We still experience it in different time periods but it was very strong during this time.It’s especially portrayed through the bar scene, the cops and almost everything with Shirley. We can also see this through the Cars. They have an older design and you can tell that it takes place in the past.

  27. Elle

    3) The movie never directly says that it was set in 1962, but many things infer to this claim. Many parts of the movie Green Book support and hint to the time and setting. One of the strongest hints being the racism and segregation that are made so evident throughout Dr. Shirley and Tony’s travels. Another thing to prove the timeline of this movie being in 1962 was the fact that Tony was given a “green book” at the beginning of the tour. This book listed restaurants and hotels that Dr. Shirley was allowed to stay at, in other words, blacks only hotels and restaurants. In addition to the previous two statements, we can further prove the timeline of this movie by the fact that Dr. Shirley called R. Kennedy when he was thrown in jail because of Tony’s outburst with a cop. This proves the timeline because Kennedys time in office was during this time period.
    4) At the beginning of the movie, Tony was very racist. An example to prove this claim is the fact that he threw away cups that African Americans had been using to simply have some lemonade as they worked on his home. Tony continues to be this way at the beginning of his relationship with Dr. Shirley, he assumes that Dr. Shirley will like certain food and music because of his black skin color. The two men start to grow a friendship and dependence on each other after they begin to understand each other. Tony starts to understand how lonely Dr. Shirley is and Dr. Shirley begins to realise Tony is trying his best to provide for his kids and his wife that he loves very much.
    5) Our country today is very obviously divided, from everything of skin color to the zip code of your front door. This movie of friendship shows how much people can overcome if they open their mind. This movie makes it evident that through work and persistence, anyone can be your friend. Anything can be overcome if both sides want it. Our country could have amazing things if all sides could work together and try to get the best out come.

  28. Anders Povirk

    1) Ali play the character of Dr. Shirley with a great deal of comlexaty compared to teh other characters in the movie which is to be expected. In his first scene Dr. Shirley wears elaborate and expensive attire while sitting on a throne literaly talking down to Tony exposing his insecurities. Throughout the movie Dr. Shirley is slow to warm up to Tony and is he polar opposite that is reserved and punctual and despite being condecending at time made legitimate efforts to help improve Tony’s dignity and writing. You also see his insecurities shine through when he drinks and watches others from afar. He is also constantly punished for simply being the way he was born and gets upset at Tony for bribing the police in order to save his life affter he is caught with another man. He even gets upset when he has to use his powerful freind of Jack Kennedy in order to get him out of jail soiling his reputation. Overall the character came off as aloof and valnerable throughout most of the movie untill the end when he decided to help Tony drive home and to celebrate Christmas with Tony’s family.

    2) While Dr. Shirly fought against racism by shattering misconceptions and occasionaly taking more brazen actions like refusing to perform in the final concert in response to not being allowed to dine with the whites. It was mentioned that the whole point of his Sothern tour was not monetary gaing or a pleasurable expierence but an act of protest by tageting the most rich and powerful elietes. According to one of his fellow band members he was taking a third the pay, treated like a seccond class citizen, and forced to stay in run down hotels listed in the Green Book to stay safe rather than his castle of an apartment back in New York. He was assulted, arrested, and harassed throughoust his tour forcing him to take as much if not more abuse than most front line protesters.

    3) The real breakthrough between these two character is when Tony refuses to be bought by both his Italian freinds and the white resteraunt order showing his loyalty to Dr. Shirley. He then agrees to give up half the money he would have made on the deal in order to spite the resteraunt owner and instead decided to go with Dr. Shirley to a poorer bar and resteraunt. They leave just on time to make it back in time for Christmas with his family. When Tony is too tired to keep driving Dr. Shirley drives him home despite him hiring Tony to drive him around. After Tony invites Dr. Shirley to celebrate with his family he initially refuses. However after going back to his room Dr. Shirley seems to feel lonely and decides to come celebrate with Tony’s family after all and cementing their freindship in the process.

  29. Mecca Terrell

    1) When it comes to Ali’s portrayal of his character, I felt that he did a very nice job in showing how dynamic Dr. Shirley’s personality is. When we first see him at the beginning of the movie, Shirley seemed like an extremely emotionally composed, high-maintenance musician who simply needed Vallelonga to be his driver for his tour to the Midwest and the Deep South. In the northern states he tours in he just seems like someone who enjoys his solitude and a good drink, but as they enter southern states, we see that his stony demeanor and punctuality are somewhat of a cover for his inner demons that continuously consume him, especially during the evening, when the only logical way he knows how to deal with them is drinking them away with his nightly bottle of scotch. I can infer that these feelings he can barely handle are intense feelings of loneliness and maybe even depression. At first, I thought it was because he felt like an outsider due to how talented he is at piano, his taste for the finer things in life, and his race, which did not necessarily trigger pleasant reactions swing that he was beat up in a bar by white southerners and blown off by black people who offered to play horseshoes with him. It shows how he didn’t fit into the southern society’s stereotype of what a black person should be like. And along with feeling left out due to his race and talents, Tony found out he was gay after Shirley was caught having sex with another man in the showers of a YMCA. Throughout history, homosexuality has been seen as a sort of taboo, so with the added layer of his homosexuality on top of his race and talents, it’s easy that Ali’s portrayal of a quiet and contemplative loner is justified.

    2) When it comes to the general idea of it, within America at least, racism is an everlasting problem that has proven to be almost impossible to eradicate. Whether there is something as little as passive thoughts or as big as public demonstrations of aggression, it’s always been present. But even though acts of racism can still be observed to this day, conditions are much better for blacks than they had been nearly fifty years ago. Throughout the 60s, the Civil Rights Movement was in the midst of taking action and fighting for their rights against the demoralizing segregation laws of the South that separated blacks from whites and provided blacks with lower quality products and services. While most of the people of his time are protesting, Dr. Shirley was following his passion. Dr. Shirley has an amazing talent for playing the piano, and when he went on tour with Tony Lip as his driver, in his own way, he was using this passion to fight for his rights. When it came to the demoralization of blacks in the deep South, these tactics were put into place to make black people feel bad about themselves and makes them feel like they can’t do anything beneficial. So when Dr. Shirley plays his piano for hundreds of white people, he’s showing them that he is capable of doing anything if he puts his mind to it, in spite of the way he was treated by whites.

    5) This movie was extremely heartwarming and a reminder that with all the bad that happens in the world, there is still some good that remains. The fact that the story of the formation of this unlikely friendship between two completely different people is true and the real Vallelonga and Shirley even remained friends until their deaths in 2013 is extremely inspiring and can even serve as a source of hope. And through the character Dr. Shirley, he shows that no matter how a person may look or what/who they might like doesn’t effect the fact that their still human and have emotions like the rest of us. You never know what a person might be going through and it’s vital that we always support their wellbeing. Audiences are also able to empathize with him on the level that he suffers from racism and homophobia, problems that still plague our society today. And even though there has been considerable improvement with the societal issues of racism and homophobia, it still shows us that there will always be something that we can do to improve the quality of life of the people of our country and teaches us that sometimes all we need to do is set aside our prejudices and work together.

  30. Adam Rhen

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front line of the Civil Right Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962 because how racist and segregated the south still was. Dr. Shirley went on tour in the south to try and prove the point that talent is not restricted to race and that a black man can be very amazing. He chose to make this tour to make such a point that he got paid three times less than if he went on tour in the north. He was treated like a lesser human like when he was refused service at the restaurant when all he wanted was to eat. The southerners didn’t have a problem with him playing but right when the show was over they went back to treating him awful. He kept his integrity and kept playing at places thought to really try and show people that we are all the same no matter what race.

    4. Tony and Dr. Shirley went from barely tolerated each other to becoming friends by the end of the film. Tony was a racist loose white man yet the Dr was very professional and he was black. Tony is always showing scenes of racism like when he didn’t know all black people didn’t eat fried chicken. While the movie progresses you can see how Tony sees the struggles Dr. Shirley goes through after spending so much time together, then start to become friends. You can see this when Tony invites Dr. Shirley to dinner and does not care what people think of him and they are proud to show off that they are friends.

    5. This movie about friendship even though made 50 years ago speaks to today’s audience by showing us that we can overcome our differences and to show how far we have come as a whole. This movie however shows the major flaws in our country today with racist, thought a lot better now, is still prevalent and a real problem. It also shows us that you should not judge someone based on looks because you don’t know someone until you get to know them better just like how Tony judged at first but at the end became friends with Dr. Shirley.

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