The Country Girl (1954) - George Seaton

Well the DVD I rented of the Robe will not load, so I moved on to 1954 and this film that helped me work through several categories. The Country Girl was the only film in 1954 to be nominated in all four major categories. Clifford Odets play has the same backstage cynicism so characteristic in his work. Although Grace Kelly won an Oscar for her role here, Bing Crosby is the truly revalatory performance. I've never even seen Crosby "act", but man he's pretty damn good here. Kelly on the other hand has rightfully gone down in history as delivering an Oscar winning anomoly. Her role is none too impressive, and I think people gave her an Oscar just because she went through most of the film without makeup, as if that constituted award worthy. William Holden is competent as usual as the young director. The film itself however is little more than an acting showcase, which degenerates into lots of hysterics. Its a bit of a mess, and horrifically melodramatic. I was none too impressed with the picture, and feel it has not aged very well. The picture was remade in a universally bashed made for TV movie.

*The Country Girl was nominated for best picture, best actor (Crosby), black and white art direction, black and white cinematography, and best director. It won for best screenplay and best actress (Kelly).