America America (1963)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film: 174 Minutes (DVD: 168 Minutes)

Rated: A

Genre: Adventure Drama

Director: Elia Kazan

Starring: Stathis Giallelis, Frank Wolff, Elena Karam, Harry Davis, Estelle Hemsley, Gregory Rozakis

IMDB Rank: 7.7/ 10

Part 1 Time: N/A Minutes (DVD: 86 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  N/A Minutes (DVD: 82 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Stavros (Stathis Giallelis) arrives at Odysseus’ (Salem Ludwig) house on the brink of death following his near death experience.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “You have plans, you–My ruination,” states Odysseus.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Katie, shh,” states Thomna (Linda Marsh) as they enter the church.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Stavros’ has made many naïve mistakes on his voyage to America. He is stuck in Constantinople with no money or means to continue his journey to America. Stavros returns to his cousin Odysseus in a last ditch effort to continue his journey.

Which part is better? The film outlines the brutality many immigrants faced travelling to America at the turn of the 20th century (which still continues today in some aspects). Part one is better as it clearly shows the extreme devastation many immigrants faced during this time period including starvation, poverty, theft and working hazardous jobs.

Academy Awards: 1964- Best Picture (Nominated), Best Director (Nominated), Best Writing Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated), Best Art Direction Set Decoration Black and White (Winner)

Other Awards: 1964 Golden Globes– Best Drama Motion Picture (Nominated), Best Director (Winner), Best Drama Actor (Nominated- Stathis Giallelis), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Linda Marsh), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Paul Mann), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Gregory Rozakis), Most Promising Male Newcomer (Winner– Stathis Giallelis)