Is Driving Miss Daisy a True Story? Ending Explained, Plot, Trailer and More

Driving Miss Daisy movie

Driving Miss Daisy is a 1989 comedy film directed by Bruce Beresford and written by Alfred Uhry. The film is adapted from Urie’s play of the same name, starring Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd. The story follows Daisy, exploring her life and experiences through a variety of relationships and emotions over twenty-five years.

Upon its release, Driving Miss Daisy received positive reviews from critics and became a critical and commercial success. The film received nine nominations at the 62nd Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Jessica Tandy, Best Makeup and Best Adapted Screenplay. Remarkably, as of 2023, it remains the latest PG-rated film to win the prestigious Best Picture award.

Is Driving Miss Daisy a true story?

Yes, Driving Miss Daisy is based on a true story. Inspired by the true story of his grandmother’s relationship with her chauffeur, Alfred Urie’s play was adapted into a film in 1989. Urie wrote the script himself, which won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

In addition to this achievement, Urie has showcased his talents as a screenwriter in other notable films, including Mystic Pizza and Rich with Love. The story revolves around the relationship between an old Jewish woman named Daisy Werthan and her African-American driver, Hoke Colburn. Driving Miss Daisy explores themes of race, prejudice, and friendship, but it is not based on real events or characters.

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Driving Miss Daisy plot

“Driving Miss Daisy” is set in Atlanta, Georgia in 1948 and tells the story of Daisy Werthan, a 72-year-old Jewish widow and retired teacher. After a car accident, Daisy’s son Bully hired Hoke Colburn, a 60-year-old black driver, to drive her. Daisy is initially resistant, but eventually bonds with Hawke and they spend time together.

Over time, Hawk became more than just a driver. Daisy taught him to read and he helped with housework. The film explores themes of racism and anti-Semitism, highlighting the discrimination faced by Hawke and Daisy. However, society is changing and Daisy attends a dinner where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks.

As time passed and Daisy showed signs of dementia, Hawke became her primary caregiver. Eventually, Daisy moved into a nursing home, where Hawke visited her regularly. The film ends with a poignant Thanksgiving party where Hawke feeds Daisy pie, showcasing their enduring friendship. The final scene shows Hawk driving down the road in his black Cadillac, symbolizing their journey together.

Driving Miss Daisy cast

Below is the cast list of the movie Driving Miss Daisy.

Actor name

Character name

Morgan Freeman

Hawk Colburn

Jessica Tandy

Daisy Wesson

Dan Aykroyd

Bree Wesson

Patti LuPone

Florine Wesson

Esther Rolle

Idera

Joan Havrela

Miss McClatchy

William Hall Jr.

Oscar

Muriel Moore

Miriam

sylvia caller

Beulah

Crystal R. Fox

Katie Bell

“Driving Miss Daisy” ending explained

In the final scene of the film, we discover that Miss Daisy suffers from dementia and lives in a nursing home. The house looks cozy, clean, nice furniture, and delicious pies. However, it is truly heartbreaking to witness a woman who once sought control of her life now become dependent on others and unable to live in her cherished home.

Although Miss Daisy has lost a lot, she still has her loyal friend Hawke by her side. Visiting her is not an easy task for Hawke, who is now too old to drive and relies on taxis or his granddaughter for transportation. Despite the challenges, Hawke demonstrates unwavering dedication by continuing to visit her.

In this poignant scene in the nursing home, we witness Miss Daisy’s complete dependence on Hawke. He helped her eat the pie, showing the kindness he always showed her. This moment shows how much she relies on him in their relationship, even though she’s too proud to admit it.

Through the touching scene in which Hawke feeds Miss Daisy, our understanding of their relationship is re-evaluated. We come to realize the important role played by Hawke, who is always shown to be gentle and patient. He allowed Miss Daisy to remain independent for as long as possible, never being condescending or controlling. The final image of him driving her for the first time in a red Hudson further emphasizes how he views her as “Miss Daisy” until the very end.

Driving Miss Daisy trailer

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