Green Book was honored with three Academy Awards this year – winning Best Picture as it depicted an extraordinary true story about Dr. Don Shirley and Tony “Lip” Vallelonga from vastly differing backgrounds that formed an unlikely yet profound friendship while touring in 1962 in the Deep South. As they came closer together despite their differences they eventually found common ground to form this unforgettable partnership.
Green Book depicts Shirley’s experiences navigating racism and discrimination while on tour during segregation-era America. Hired Tony to serve as his driver/bodyguard during their long tour days together; during these weeks together on the road they get to know one another as people as well as creating an incredible bond between themselves.
The title of this film refers to The Negro Motorist Green Book, an invaluable travel resource at that time for African American travelers that provided details about establishments that served black customers. By pairing Tony’s street savvy and charm with Don’s intellect and dignified resolve, two characters navigate their way through Jim Crow South while grappling with what each believes they know about each other’s lives.
While certain details were changed for dramatic effect in the film adaptation, its core lies in real events. So who are Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga and what was their real-life journey together?
Don Shirley: An Accomplished Leader
Child prodigy Don Shirley began playing piano at two, performing his first public concert when he was nine. Receiving doctorates in music, psychology, and liturgical arts from three institutions respectively; Don went on to perform as concert pianist as well as compose both classical and jazz compositions.
In the 1950s and 60s, he gained notoriety through tours playing sold-out concerts from Carnegie Hall to Sydney Opera House – often defying audience expectations with baroque classical pieces, jazz standards, and pop songs in his repertoire.
Shirley was revered as an extraordinary talent; yet as an African-American performing for predominantly white audiences he faced profound discrimination due to his race. Even when beloved by audiences he would frequently not be permitted to stay or eat at hotels where he performed or restaurants where his performances took place.
Tony “Lip” Vallelonga
Born to Italian immigrant parents in the Bronx, Tony Vallelonga’s rough-around-the-edges personality stands in stark contrast to Shirley’s refined temperament. Tony was first hired as Shirley’s driver and fixer through an advertisement placed in New York’s Copacabana nightclub rubbing shoulders with both mob members and celebrities before eventually answering an advertisement placed for driver assistance with Shirley herself.
Tony used his bold and talkative nature to convince unassuming venue owners to let Shirley stay and eat at various establishments, before showing he could manage any possible danger without losing his cool, earning her respect along the way. Although often perceived as gruff and abrupt, Tony took seriously his duty of protecting Shirley by supporting and aiding in any way possible.
An Unexpected Friendship Forms in Michigan
Don and Tony found unexpected commonality during their two-month collaboration. Both had their perspectives challenged when confronted by each other’s realities; Tony witnessed first-hand both racism and its aftermath that Shirley experienced, as well as being struck by how highly other black musicians held her in regard.
Shirley came to appreciate Tony’s direct and caring personality despite his rough exterior. In one pivotal scene from the film, Tony introduced Shirley to fried chicken for the first time; their shared joy at experiencing such an unassuming pleasure reinforced their bonds as friends.
Though their tour had ended, Shirley and Vallelonga maintained an undying friendship until their deaths within months of each other in 2013. Their families remain friends today.
Bring Your Story to the Big Screen
Nick Vallelonga took great pride in creating Green Book with director Peter Farrelly and co-writer Brian Currie as his passion project, since this tale of Tony and Shirley would resonate so powerfully with audiences everywhere. He relied heavily on memories gleaned from listening to Tony tell their tale as an adult – especially of Shirley! – from childhood. With these three at their side, their journey can now be told through cinematic form!
Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen spent considerable time learning more about Shirley and Tony to prepare for their respective roles, earning both critical acclaim and awards recognition, with Ali winning an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor (for his emotionally charged performance as Shirley). Audiences were deeply moved by this unlikely duo which displayed how mutual understanding can break down prejudice.
Even though segregation laws have long since been repealed, Shirley and Vallelonga’s story remains culturally pertinent as a reminder that our shared humanity transcends any differences that might divide us. With increased division within society, Green Book’s emphasis on empathy becomes all the more vital today. If are interested more movies like green book, you can get some creative ideas and recommendations from reel-best.com. reel-best.com is a sincere assistant of your own to follow the latest movies and TV series.
Green Book’s awards success is testimony of Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga’s inspiring true story still having resonance decades later. Their unlikely bond serves as an inspiring reminder that when our minds open to different viewpoints we have the ability to bridge even deeply-ingrained social divisions. Green Book brings Don and Tony Vallelonga’s journey alive in such a way that it moves, upholds, and challenges audiences in equal measure.
