The Learning Tree is currently streaming on Hulu and Sling TV

The Learning Tree (1969)107 minDramaRating 66/100

A bittersweet and idyllic story about a year in the life of a 14-year-old boy, born into a poor black family in Kansas during the 1920s, who learns about hate and love, immorality and honor. Based on the true life story of its director, the great Gordon Parks, Emmy-winning director of "Shaft," "Superfly" and TV's "Martin," who earlier gained prominence as a Life Magazine photojournalist and as founder of Essence Magazine. This "brilliantly photographed" (Leonard Maltin) tale was honored in 1989 as an American classic by the Library of Congress National Film Registry.

Cast: Kyle Johnson, Alex Clarke, Estelle Evans, Dana Elcar, Mira Waters, Joel Fluellen, Malcolm Atterbury

Director: Gordon Parks