The Actress

Director: George Cukor George Cukor

Overview

The Actress is based on Years Ago, one of several autobiographies by actress/playwright Ruth Gordon. Jean Simmons stars as blossoming teenager Ruth Gordon Jones, who is determined to become a famous stage star despite the objections of her stubborn ex-sea captain father Clinton Jones (Spencer Tracy). Papa wants Ruth to become a physical-education instructor, but she wants none of this. With the covert help of her understanding mother (Teresa Wright), Ruth seeks out stage work--any stage work. Ultimately, it is Papa who dips into the Jones family's limited coffers to bankroll his daughter's first big break. The Actress represented the movie debut of Anthony Perkins, here cast as Ruth Gordon Jones' gawky boyfriend.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/23/2009
UPC:	0883316127001
Original Release:	1953
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[Full Frame]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Mono]
Language:	English
Time:	1:30:00
Sales rank:	37,089

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Jean Simmons	Ruth Gordon Jones
Spencer Tracy	Clinton Jones
Teresa Wright	Annie Jones
Anthony Perkins	Fred Whitmarsh
Ian Wolfe	Mr. Bagley
Kay Williams	Hazel Dawn
Mary Wickes	Emma Glavey
Norma Jean Nilsson	Anna
Dawn Bender	Katherine
Jackie Coogan	Heckler
Bronislau Kaper	Composer

Technical Credits

Ruth Gordon

George Cukor	Director
Warren Newcombe	Special Effects
Lawrence Weingarten	Producer
Ruth Gordon	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

Both director George Cukor and writer Ruth Gordon are a bit off their form in The Actress, a backstager that lacks the spark that is so essential both to tales of the theater and tales of youth (and, as concerns the father in the story, tales of youth long lost). Perhaps Gordon was too close to the autobiographical material, as much of the screenplay comes off as a bit too precious. Gordon also doesn't find enough fresh things to say about this oft-told theatrical situation, although she does much better when sticking to the relationship between father and daughter, and indeed creates quite a memorable character in Clinton Jones. Cukor's work is a bit dry, his pacing flagging too often. However, he does do a fine job of capturing the right period feel and setting, and he has several inventive visual moments, starting with a very nicely composed opening sequence that takes in the entire theater. Even better is the parlor scene between Ruth and her suitor. Comprised of only three shots, this lengthy sequence allows Cukor to insinuate his camera throughout the room in a very dramatically effective manner. In the title role, the beautiful Jean Simmons is surprisingly annoying; the performance is mannered and fluttery, lacking in sufficient charm and depth. This leaves the film to Spencer Tracy, whose performance is wonderfully rich and detailed. Teresa Wright has too little to do but does it well, and Anthony Perkins is notable in his screen debut -- especially clad in Walter Plunkett's excellent costumes.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler