Summary
Highlights
The video opens with Miss Daisy having a car accident, leading to a heated discussion with her son, Boolie. He insists she needs a driver, which she adamantly resists, citing her independence and social concerns about having a chauffeur in her home.
Boolie interviews Hoke Colburn for the chauffeur position. Hoke shares his past work experiences, including driving for a Jewish gentleman, Judge Stone, and expresses a preference for working for Jewish families, contrasting them with a previous employer he found stingy.
Hoke begins his first day, but Miss Daisy refuses to let him drive her anywhere, preferring to take the trolley. She expresses her dislike for the idea of being driven, emphasizes her self-reliance, and complains about Hoke sitting in her kitchen.
Miss Daisy finally allows Hoke to drive her to the grocery store, the Piggly Wiggly. She constantly criticizes his driving, the speed, and the route taken, demonstrating her stubborn and particular nature. Hoke remains patient and navigates her complaints.
Miss Daisy accuses Hoke of stealing a can of salmon from her pantry. Boolie arrives to mediate, and Hoke calmly explains that he ate the salmon and replaced it, clearing his name and highlighting Miss Daisy's tendency to jump to conclusions.
At the cemetery, Miss Daisy asks Hoke to place flowers on a relative's grave. When Hoke struggles to find it, he reveals he cannot read. Miss Daisy, a former teacher, begins to patiently teach him how to identify letters, starting with the name "Bauer" on a tombstone.
During Christmas, Miss Daisy, while criticizing Boolie's wife Flo for her excessive decorations, gives Hoke a handwriting copybook. She insists it's not a Christmas present but encourages him to practice writing nicely, revealing a growing fondness and respect for him.
Boolie arranges to trade in Miss Daisy's old car. Hoke reveals to Boolie that he secretly bought the old car himself because he liked it, showcasing his resourcefulness and attachment to the vehicle he's been driving.
On a road trip to Mobile for a family event, Miss Daisy reminisces about her first trip there. Hoke takes a wrong turn, leading to an argument. Later, Hoke asserts his need to stop for a bathroom break, demonstrating his growing confidence and refusal to be treated like a child.
Boolie visits Hoke, who reveals that Miss Daisy's cousin is trying to hire him for a higher salary. Hoke uses this to negotiate a raise with Boolie, demonstrating his financial acumen and asserting his value.
During an ice storm, Hoke braves the dangerous roads to bring Miss Daisy coffee, as she is without power. Boolie calls, surprised to hear Hoke is with his mother, and Miss Daisy's description of Hoke as "handy" hints at her softening attitude towards him.
Hoke informs Miss Daisy that her temple has been bombed. Miss Daisy is shocked and believes it's a mistake as her temple is reformed. Hoke shares a personal, traumatic memory of racial violence, drawing a parallel between their experiences of prejudice and highlighting a shared understanding.
Boolie discusses his hesitation to attend a dinner honoring Martin Luther King Jr. due to potential backlash from business associates. Miss Daisy argues in favor of King and suggests Hoke accompany her to the dinner, foreshadowing a significant shift in her views.
While driving, Miss Daisy tentatively suggests that Hoke accompany her to the Martin Luther King Jr. dinner. Hoke, having already received an invitation in the mail, expresses his hurt that she didn't ask him directly and implies she views him differently than others. Miss Daisy acknowledges her mistake.
Boolie calls Hoke, concerned about Miss Daisy's confusion, as she believes she is still teaching. Hoke reassures Boolie he will handle it. Miss Daisy experiences a moment of lucidity and calls Hoke her best friend, highlighting the deep bond they have formed.
Twenty-six years later, Boolie is selling Miss Daisy's house. Hoke, now older, still visits her in the nursing home. During a Thanksgiving visit, Miss Daisy, with advanced dementia, fondly attributes her jewelry to Hoke and shares a moment of shared pie, symbolizing their enduring friendship.