THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR (1948) Not easy being green

THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR is about a young orphan living with his grandfather who one morning he wakes to find that his hair has inexplicably turned bright green. At first he likes it, even revels in it. Granddad is perplexed, but supports the boy’s unabashed delight at being different. But over the next few days, well, let’s just say the story's color grows decidedly dark, climaxing when the boy runs away from home and stumbles into mystical woods where he meets a group of ghostly European war orphans who set him straight. This allegory was an anti-war statement, a plea for tolerance and you’ll find it dated and its symbolism far too naked. Yet, find it - it's a gem. The title role is well played by Dean Stockwell, a child actor who appeared in many important movies (GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT, COMPULSION, BLUE VELVET) and continues to work often on TV today. Gramps is played by Pat O'Brien.