Driving Miss Daisy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stubborn old lady begrudgingly accepts a chauffeur, proving that even the most resistant hearts can be won over with a smooth ride and a well-timed offer of salmon.

🍿 Driving Miss Daisy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Accident and Hiring Hoke

In 1948 Atlanta, elderly Jewish widow Daisy Werthan crashes her car, leading her son Boolie to hire Hoke Colburn, a black man, as her chauffeur. Daisy initially resists the idea, seeing it as a loss of independence. She refuses to let Hoke drive her or even touch her things, creating a tense and awkward atmosphere.

Building a Relationship

Over time, Hoke’s patience and quiet dignity begin to wear down Daisy’s resistance. Small incidents, like Hoke replacing a can of salmon Daisy accuses him of stealing, slowly build trust. Daisy begins to rely on Hoke, and they form a unique bond as they navigate the changing social landscape of the South.

Navigating the Civil Rights Era

As the Civil Rights movement gains momentum, Daisy and Hoke confront the realities of racism. A trip to Alabama exposes them to blatant discrimination, and the bombing of Daisy’s synagogue highlights the prejudice she faces as a Jewish woman. These events deepen their understanding of each other’s experiences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman): A patient and wise African-American chauffeur who forms a deep bond with his employer, Miss Daisy, over 25 years.
• Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy): A stubborn and independent elderly Jewish woman who gradually develops a close friendship with her chauffeur, Hoke.
• Boolie Werthan (Dan Aykroyd): Daisy’s successful and concerned son who hires Hoke to be her driver, navigating his mother’s strong personality and societal expectations.
• Idella (Esther Rolle): Daisy’s longtime housekeeper who provides a sense of stability and familiarity in her household.
• Florine Werthan (Patti LuPone): Boolie’s wife and Daisy’s daughter-in-law, whose social ambitions sometimes clash with Daisy’s more traditional values.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Daisy Werthan: “Hoke, you’re my best friend.” – Said near the end of the film, marking a profound shift in Daisy’s attitude and acknowledging their deep bond.
• Hoke Colburn: “Now, why don’t we leave it at that?” – Hoke’s pragmatic response to Daisy’s initial resistance, setting the tone for their relationship.
• Boolie Werthan: “Mama, let the man drive you.” – Boolie’s exasperated plea to his stubborn mother to accept Hoke as her driver.
• Daisy Werthan: “They all take things, you know.” – Daisy’s prejudiced initial reaction regarding Hoke, reflecting the societal biases of the time, after she suspects him of stealing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7.5M
• Domestic Gross: $106.6M
• Worldwide Gross: $145.8M

💥 Driving Miss Daisy Reviews

Personal Review

I was so touched by ‘Driving Miss Daisy’! The relationship between Daisy and Hoke is so beautifully developed, it really got me thinking about how friendships can blossom in the most unexpected places. The scene where Daisy finally admits Hoke is her best friend made me tear up. The movie shows a heartwarming, slow-burn friendship. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about race relations”
  • “Those who appreciate subtle and heartwarming narratives”
  • “People who enjoy films set in the American South”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Depiction of racial prejudice”
  • “Themes of aging and dementia”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Driving Miss Daisy is a heartwarming and surprisingly poignant tale of friendship across racial and class lines. Tandy and Freeman deliver masterclass performances, elevating a simple story into something truly special. The film gently explores complex themes with grace and wit.
• RogerEbert.com: “Ebert: ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ is a film of quiet moments and subtle observations. Its strength lies in the nuanced performances of Tandy and Freeman, who bring depth and humanity to their characters. While its approach to racial issues is somewhat gentle, it is a tender story about human connection.
• Variety: “Variety: A gentle and affecting film about the unlikely bond between an elderly woman and her driver. ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ boasts stellar performances and a well-crafted script, though some may find its pacing too slow. It is a beautifully told story of friendship that transcends societal barriers.

Audience Reactions

The performances were amazing, especially the chemistry between Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy.: Viewers often praise the heartwarming story and the exceptional acting of the two leads.

I loved how the movie showed the changing times and how people’s attitudes evolved.: Many appreciate the film’s subtle exploration of race relations and social change in the South.

Overall Consensus: Driving Miss Daisy is a beloved film celebrated for its heartwarming story, exceptional performances, and gentle exploration of complex themes like friendship, aging, and race relations in the American South.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1990
2. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1990
3. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1990
4. Academy Award (Best Makeup)- 1990

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Uhry adapted the script from his own play, which won a Pulitzer Prize.”
• “Morgan Freeman also starred in the original stage production of ‘Driving Miss Daisy’.”
• “The film was shot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, adding authenticity to the setting.”
• “The character of Hoke was loosely based on Will Coleman, Alfred Uhry’s grandmother’s driver.”
• “Jessica Tandy was the oldest actress to win the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in this film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Driving Miss Daisy?

Driving Miss Daisy is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television airings as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Driving Miss Daisy, you might like these similar films:

• The Help (2011): Explores race relations in the American South through the relationships between white families and their black domestic workers.
• Green Book (2018): Features an unlikely friendship between a white driver and a black musician touring the segregated South.
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967): Deals with interracial relationships and challenges societal prejudices in a more direct, dramatic way.
• The Intouchables (2011): A wealthy quadriplegic hires a young man from the projects as his caretaker, forging an unexpected and heartwarming friendship.

🛒 Driving Miss Daisy Related Products

• Driving Miss Daisy [Blu-ray]: Relive the heartwarming story in stunning high definition with the Blu-ray edition. This edition includes special features and behind-the-scenes content for a deeper appreciation of the film’s artistry.
• Driving Miss Daisy: The Play by Alfred Uhry: Explore the Pulitzer Prize-winning play that inspired the movie. Dive into the original source material and experience the story in its theatrical form. See how the story evolved from stage to screen.
• Morgan Freeman: An American Icon: Discover the life and career of Morgan Freeman, one of the most respected actors of our time. This biography explores his journey and his most memorable roles, including Hoke Colburn in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’.
• Classic Cadillac 1956 Model Car: Own a piece of automotive history with this detailed model of the 1956 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, a car featured prominently in the film. A perfect addition to any collector’s display, celebrating a classic vehicle.

🎧 Soundtrack

Driving Miss Daisy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Driving Miss Daisy Suite” – performed by Hans Zimmer
• “End Credits” – performed by Hans Zimmer
• “After The Ball” – performed by Jessica Tandy

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jessica Tandy Wins Best Actress: 1990 Oscars

Witness the heartwarming moment when Jessica Tandy won the Oscar for Best Actress for her iconic role in Driving Miss Daisy. This clip offers a glimpse into the film’s critical success and the legacy it left behind.

Morgan Freeman Snores During Jimmy’s Driving Miss Daisy Story

Get ready for a chuckle! Join Morgan Freeman on The Tonight Show as he shares a funny story about his experience watching Driving Miss Daisy. This clip is sure to entertain.

Did you know that Morgan Freeman….? #shorts

Did you know this intriguing fact about Morgan Freeman’s role in Driving Miss Daisy? This short video reveals a lesser-known detail that will surprise and entertain.

✨ Rate