Portrait of Jennie (1948)

7.6Approved86 minDirector: William Dieterle

1948 film by William Dieterle

Portrait of Jennie (also released under the title Tidal Wave) is a 1948 American supernatural film directed by William Dieterle, produced by David O. Selznick, and starring Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore, and Lillian Gish. Its plot follows an impoverished New York City painter whose chance encounter with an old-fashioned young woman in Central Park changes the course of his life. It is based on the 1940 novella of the same name by Robert Nathan.

At the 21st Academy Awards, it won an Oscar for Best Special Effects (Paul Eagler, Joseph McMillan Johnson, Russell Shearman and Clarence Slifer; Special Audible Effects: Charles L. Freeman and James G. Stewart). Joseph H. August was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Black-and-White).

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Portrait of Jennie about?
Portrait of Jennie (1948) — Eben Adams is a talented but struggling artist in Depression era New York who has never been able to find inspiration for a painting. One day, after he finally finds someone to buy a painting from him, a pretty but odd young girl named Jennie Appleton appears and strikes up an un
Is Portrait of Jennie based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Portrait of Jennie scary?
Content rating: Approved. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.