55_pennyseaweed.pngPenny Pingleton & Seaweed Stubbs
An important relationship is between Penny Pingleton and Seaweed Stubbs. Despite Penny's mother being extremely racist and a firm supporter of segregation her daughter Penny becomes involved with an African American boy. Penny falls in love with Seaweed Stubbs and does not care what others think. This shows that she cares more about the person Seaweed is than the colour of his skin.

This relationship would have been very unusual during the early 1960's as this was a time of huge turmoil and social change. Relationships between black men and white women was not accepted by society. A white girl who had a black boyfriend was labled as a "checkerboard chick".

Why this relationship is important:
This relationship shows the main theme of the film - All people should be treated equally despite differences in race, religion or skin colour. It also shows the theme of standing up for what you believe in as Penny is standing up against her mother's racist views.

Techniques which show this relationship:
  • Dialogue
  • Close-up