Throughout the history of American cinema there is one character that has shown up time and time again – the chauffeur. These characters can be leading or supporting, but they always move the plot along.
Breaking Down Class Divisions
When one person is the hired help and the other is fortunate enough to afford many of life’s luxuries it sets the stage for class observations. Not surprisingly, the role of the chauffeur has been used in cinema to break down class barriers. It’s a writing device that makes sense. Often drivers and their passengers spend a good deal of time together. They are afforded a unique opportunity to get to know one another.
No movie is as well known for this than Driving Miss Daisy. The movie features an always-amazing Morgan Freeman as Hoke Colburn, the African American chauffeur hired to drive around aging Southern Jewish widow Daisy Werthan played by Jessica Tandy. Their relationship starts out frosty but over the years they grow to become close friends.
Another less comedic film that tackles similar issues is A Raisin in the Sun. The wonderful Sidney Poitier portrays Walter Lee Younger, a chauffeur that works tirelessly in an attempt to make a better life for his family.
Imparting Wisdom
After years of driving a limo you’re sure to learn a thing or two about life. For decades scriptwriters have been doling out words of wisdom via chauffeurs. They don’t just drive, but rather hold their passenger’s hand through a challenging situation.
Long before Ann Hathaway donned the cat-woman onesie she was doe-eyed Mia Thermopolis, a geeky teen turned royal in The Princess Diaries. Thrown into a world that’s completely foreign to her (literally a times) Mia is helped along the way by her chauffeur Joe.
This is just one example of how the chauffeur shows their wisdom shouldn’t be judged by their profession.
Busting Up the Boys Club
Like our Austin limo driver Heitzy Ruiz, in the movie My Chauffeur the title character shows that ladies can handle a limo as well as any guy. This 1986 comedy came out in a decade full of movies like Nine to Five and Private Benjamin that feature women taking on male-dominated workplaces. This time it takes place in the limo industry, and chauffeur Casey Meadows drives away with her employer’s heart.
These are just a few of the most memorable chauffeurs from the big screen, but there are plenty more. Since the time that talkies began limo drivers have pulled on passengers heartstrings, opened their eyes and helped them navigate through life. Share your favorite chauffeur movie character with the rest of us in the comments section.
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Original Source: https://www.royalaustin.com/austin-red-carpet/most-memorable-chauffeurs-from-the-movies