America America

Written, produced and directed by Elia Kazan, Commentary by historian Foster Hirsch

"I am a Greek by blood, a Turk by birth and an American because my uncle made a journey." Elia Kazan's own words begin the saga of young Stavros (Stathis Giallelis), who leaves his war-torn homeland behind to begin a new life. With his family's meager fortune and his father's blessing, Stavros encounters both allies and adversaries on a dramatic trek. He ultimately achieves his dream through sheer determination and will, thereby earning his nickname: America America.

Saluting the masses who sailed toward Miss Liberty's shining torch, Kazan (A Streetcar Named Desire) uses little known talents here rather than stars. The results impress.: Academy Award nominations (1963) for Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay, an Oscar for Gene Callahan's vivid Art Direction, Golden Globes for Kazan (Best Director) and Giallelis (Most Promising Newcomer) and nomination to the National Film Registry for permanent preservation. Both epic and intimate, it's powerful moviemaking.

Subtitles: English and French

Warner Brothers Pictures (1963)