The Boy with Green Hair (1948)

In the wake of the war's devastation, a young boy with an inexplicably green crown of hair is discovered by the police. The enigmatic pre-teen, known as Peter Fry, is reticent, unwilling to reveal his identity until the empathetic child psychologist, Dr. Evans, steps in. Peter's tale begins to unfurl, a narrative threaded with loss, discovery, and a peculiar transformation. Peter's life was once a nomadic existence, passed from one indifferent relative to another after his parents were engulfed in the tragic London Blitz. His journey of displacement finds a comforting pause when he arrives at the doorstep of a man he affectionately terms 'Gramp'. This former vaudevillian, now a singing waiter, is not Peter's biological grandfather but becomes the closest semblance to a loving family that the boy has known. In his newfound haven, Peter experiences the taste of normalcy, friendship, and nurturing care from figures like his teacher, Miss Brand. But a harsh revelation shatters this peace: Peter's parents were not just away, but dead, making him a war orphan. This revelation triggers a profound reflection within Peter about war, the plight of orphans like him, and the sanctity of life. One morning, Peter awakens to find his ordinary brown hair transformed into a vivid green hue. This inexplicable change elicits a spectrum of reactions from those around him. However, Peter gradually discerns a significance to his emerald tresses, seeing them as a symbol of a vital mission. But the world's response to his change—an amalgam of confusion, fear, and intolerance—casts him into his current predicament. Through the support of figures like Dr. Evans and Gramp, Peter must navigate the tumultuous tide of public opinion and self-doubt. As he grapples with his unique condition, he seeks to rediscover his self-worth and embrace his extraordinary place in the world. "The Boy with Green Hair" is not just a story of a young war orphan but a stirring parable of acceptance, understanding, and the power of being different.

The Boy with Green Hair is a comedy movie featuring Pat O’Brien and directed by Joseph Losey.

It is possible to buy The Boy with Green Hair on Amazon Video and Apple TV.