The Displaced Person

The Displaced Person is a 1977 drama film directed by Glenn Jordan, based on the short story of the same name by Flannery O'Connor. The movie stars Irene Worth, Shirley Stoler, Lane Smith, and James Greene.

The movie is set in rural Georgia in the 1940s and tells the story of the arrival of a Polish refugee family, the Guizacs, on a farm owned by Mrs. McIntyre, a wealthy and cold-hearted woman who inherited the land from her late husband. The Guizacs are assigned to work on the farm and live in a rundown cabin on the edge of the property.

The arrival of the Guizacs disrupts the lives of the other workers on the farm, who are all African American, and tensions rise between them and the Polish family. The only person who seems to be sympathetic to the Guizacs is Father Flynn, a Catholic priest who is visiting the farm to organize a charity event.

As the story unfolds, Mrs. McIntyre becomes increasingly hostile towards the Guizacs, whom she sees as a burden on her property. She tries to force them off the farm by any means necessary, including spreading false rumors about the family, accusing them of theft, and even violence.

The Displaced Person is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles themes such as race, immigration, and prejudice. It sheds light on the difficulties faced by refugees who are forced to leave their homes and seek a new life in a foreign land.

Irene Worth delivers a strong performance as Mrs. McIntyre, the cold and manipulative landowner who treats the Guizacs with disdain. Shirley Stoler is equally impressive as the matriarch of the Guizac family, who tries to keep her family together despite the hostility of their surroundings.

Lane Smith portrays the character of Sulk, one of the workers on the farm, who becomes increasingly resentful of the Guizacs and the advantages they seem to be receiving. His performance captures the frustration and anger of a man who feels he is being replaced by outsiders.

The Displaced Person is a slow-moving film, with a deliberate pace that allows the audience to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters. The cinematography is excellent, capturing the beautiful landscapes of rural Georgia, but also the small details that make up the lives of the workers on the farm.

In conclusion, The Displaced Person is a highly recommended film that offers a glimpse into the lives of refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives in a new land. The performances of the cast are outstanding, and the story is both timely and relevant. It is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.