The Learning Tree (1969): Cast & Plot
The Learning Tree is a 1969 crime drama directed by Gordon Parks, starring Kyle Johnson as Newt, Philip Roye and Felix Nelson. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 47m (107 min)
- Director
- Gordon Parks
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Winger
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Learning Tree About?
The premise of The Learning Tree without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Set in Kansas during the 1920s, the film follows less than a year in the life of a Black teenager whose world is upended by a cascade of events that thrust him into premature adulthood. It probes his family ties and rivalries, as well as his fears, frustrations and aspirations, offering a poignant commentary on human values in small‑town America.
The Learning Tree Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- coming of age
- national film registry
- teenager
- kansas
- 1920s
- racism
- independent film
- christmas
- small town
- murder
- african american
- racial segregation
+38 more Show fewer
- based on novel
- probation
- fair
- doctor
- cemetery
- field
- police officer
- church
- skinny dipping
- jail
- teacher
- pie
- piano
- shooting
- dream
- fireworks
- snow
- cinema
- scene during opening credits
- love
- racial injustice
- immorality
- tornado
- craps game
- shot by the police
- hospital
- river
- picnic
- bar
- hayloft
- poverty
- uncle
- witness
- male nudity
- apple
- loss of father
- race relations
- duck
The Learning Tree Cast & Characters
Kyle Johnson leads the cast as Newt, with Philip Roye as Pete Winger and Felix Nelson as Jack Winger. Directed by Gordon Parks; 30 actors are credited in all.
- Director Gordon Parks
- Kyle Johnson as Newt
- Philip Roye as Pete Winger
- Felix Nelson as Jack Winger
- Hope Summers as Mrs. Kiner
Also Starring in The Learning Tree
· 26 more- George Mitchell Jake Kiner
- Alex Clarke Marcus
- Morgan Sterne Mr. Hall
- Mira Waters Arcella
- Russell Thorson Judge Cavanaugh
- Zooey Hall Chauncey Cavanaugh (uncredited)
- Malcolm Atterbury Silas Newhall
- Richard Ward Booker Savage
- Estelle Evans Sarah
- Dub Taylor Spikey
- Joel Fluellen Uncle Rob
- Dana Elcar Kirky
- Jon Lormer McCormack
- Peggy Rea Miss McClintock
- Lynn Hamilton Funeral Attendee (uncredited)
- Don Dubbins Harley Davis, Defense Attorney
Show all 30 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Kevin Hagen Doc Tim Cravens
- Steven Perry Jappy
- Thomas Anderson Pastor Broadnap
- S. Pearl Sharp Prissy
- Jimmy Rushing Chappie Logan
- Carol Lamond Big Mabel
- Carter Vinnegar Seansy
- Bobby Goss Skunk
- Alfred Jones Cap'n Tuck (uncredited)
- Tony Teebo Farm Boy (uncredited)
The Learning Tree Plot Summary
What happens in The Learning Tree from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the sun-worn plains of 1920s Kansas, a group of African-American boys led by Newt Winger and their friends sneak into Jake Kiner’s orchard to lift apples. The confrontation that follows leaves Jake badly beaten and near death, a brutal act carried out by Marcus Savage that lands Marcus in jail. As the pursuit tightens, a racist white sheriff shoots dead an innocent Black boy crossing a river, and the sheriff escapes punishment, laying bare the town’s cruel injustice.
Full summary
The whole story of The Learning Tree, scene by scene
The Learning Tree Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Learning Tree.
How Well Do You Know The Learning Tree?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which character leads the group of boys who sneak into the orchard to lift apples?
The Learning Tree Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “Ragazzo la tua pelle scotta” and “常识树”.
- Also known as
-
- Ragazzo la tua pelle scotta
- 常识树
- 러닝 트리
- Les sentiers de la violence
Seen The Learning Tree?
Movies Like The Learning Tree
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Education of Little Tree, The Learning Curve and The Tree.
The Learning Tree FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Learning Tree, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Learning Tree?
The Learning Tree runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).
When was The Learning Tree released?
The Learning Tree was released on August 6, 1969.
Who directed The Learning Tree?
The Learning Tree was directed by Gordon Parks.
More films by Gordon Parks Who is in the cast of The Learning Tree?
The Learning Tree stars Kyle Johnson as Newt, Philip Roye as Pete Winger and Felix Nelson as Jack Winger, among 30 credited actors.
Does The Learning Tree have a post-credit scene?
No. The Learning Tree has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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