Synopsis

In 1948 Atlanta, wealthy Jewish widow Daisy Werthan reluctantly accepts a chauffeur after wrecking her car. Hoke Colburn, an African American driver, gradually earns her trust as they share rides, arguments, and quiet moments across decades of social change. Their initially formal arrangement develops into a deep friendship shaped by aging, racial prejudice, religious identity, and the changing American South.

Factoids & Trivia

• Alfred Uhry adapted the screenplay from his 1987 stage play, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1988.

• Morgan Freeman reprised his stage role as Hoke Colburn in the film adaptation.

• The production was filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia, including Druid Hills, Decatur, and the Castleberry Hill district. Filming took place from May 8 through June 19, 1989.

• Jessica Tandy became the oldest winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress at the time of her victory.

• At the 62nd Academy Awards in 1990, the film won four Oscars from nine nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Makeup.

• It became the only film adapted from an Off-Broadway production to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

• Hans Zimmer created the score entirely with synthesizers and performed the music himself without using an orchestra.