Take a Giant Step
“From Playground to hunting ground - in a bar!”
Synopsis
After African-American teenager Spence Scott gets expelled from his private school for arguing with a teacher, he turns to his grandmother for advice. Spence, who lives in a genteel white area and has mostly white friends, feels like an outsider. He visits a bar in a black neighborhood, where he meets a few prostitutes, which doesn't help. Eventually, Spence starts a friendship with the housekeeper, Christine, who tells him her own difficult story.
Top Cast
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Johnny Nash
Spencer Scott
Estelle Hemsley
Grandmother Martin
Ruby Dee
Christine
Frederick O'Neal
Lem Scott
Beah Richards
May Scott
Ellen Holly
The Girl in the Bar
Paulene Myers
Violet
Royce Wallace
Rose Thompson
Frances Foster
Poppy
Roy Glenn
Minister
Dee Pollock
Tony
Bill Walker
Frank
Bernie Hamilton
Bar Sharpie
Delmar Erickson
Bobby
Sherman Raskin
Alan
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 1, 1959
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$300K
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
Pending
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Philip Leacock
- Screenplay & Story
- Louis S. Peterson, Julius J. Epstein
- Original Score
- Jack Marshall
- Original Title
- Take a Giant Step
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Budget
- $300K
- Production Studios
- Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Philip Leacock
Louis S. Peterson, Julius J. Epstein
Jack Marshall
Arthur E. Arling
Frank Gross
Julius J. Epstein
Department Leadership Roster
Philip Leacock
Director
Louis S. Peterson
Screenplay
Julius J. Epstein
Screenplay
Julius J. Epstein
Producer
Jack Marshall
Original Music Composer
Frank Gross
Editor
Arthur E. Arling
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Take a Giant Step.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Take a Giant Step.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Take a Giant Step
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Take a Giant Step about?
After African-American teenager Spence Scott gets expelled from his private school for arguing with a teacher, he turns to his grandmother for advice. Spence, who lives in a genteel white area and has mostly white friends, feels like an outsider. He visits a bar in a black neighborhood, where he meets a few prostitutes, which doesn't help. Eventually, Spence starts a friendship with the housekeeper, Christine, who tells him her own difficult story.
Who directed Take a Giant Step?
Take a Giant Step was directed by Philip Leacock.
Who stars in Take a Giant Step?
The principal cast of Take a Giant Step includes Johnny Nash, Estelle Hemsley, Ruby Dee, Frederick O'Neal, Beah Richards.
When was Take a Giant Step released and how long is it?
Take a Giant Step was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for Take a Giant Step?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Take a Giant Step was composed by Jack Marshall.