A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945): cast, story & where to watch

1945 · Film · ★ 7.6

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn poster

Released in 1945, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a drama and family film directed by Elia Kazan, running about 128 minutes. “Each heart-warming character comes alive on the screen!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In Brooklyn circa 1900, the Nolans manage to enjoy life on pennies despite great poverty and Papa's alcoholism. We come to know these people well through big and little troubles: Aunt Sissy's scandalous succession of "husbands"; the removal of the one tree visible from their tenement; and young Francie's desire to transfer to a better school...if irresponsible Papa can get his act together.

Who’s in it. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn stars Dorothy McGuire as Katie Nolan, Joan Blondell as Aunt Sissy, James Dunn as Johnny Nolan and Lloyd Nolan as Officer McShane, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.6/10, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A Tree Grows in Brooklyn page.

If you liked it. Fans of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn worth watching?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn holds an audience score of 7.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and family. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn stars Dorothy McGuire, Joan Blondell, James Dunn, Lloyd Nolan and James Gleason.
When was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn released?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was released in 1945, with a runtime of about 128 minutes.