Most people remember Ruth Gordon for her role in the cult classic "Harold and Maude" as well as "Rosemary's Baby," in which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. But her acting career began as far back as 1915.
The Actress is Gordon's coming of age tale of growing up with her parents Clinton and Annie Jones (Spencer Tracy and Teresa Wright) in Wollaston, Massachusetts (a suburb of Boston).
Despite being directed by the esteemed George Cukor, The Actress is sadly a very slow-moving affair. The exposition just goes on and on as we're introduced to Ruth's curmudgeon father who is bent on not permitting her to pursue her dreams of becoming a star of stage and screen.
Jean Simmons, 24-year-old at the time, plays the 17-year-old Ruth, although the character acts more like she's 14. Ruth is depicted comically, naïve and immature but determined to succeed at all costs.
The main dramatic moment at the midpoint is Ruth's failed interview with a theatrical producer in Boston, an appointment she keeps despite promises to her father to the contrary. Inexplicably we never get to see the scene in which her dreams are initially dashed.
Similarly, the same thing happens at the end of the film-what becomes of Ruth in New York City? The narrative simply ends abruptly. Instead, there is a little dramatic tension prior to the climax when Clinton is fired from his job and must initially renege on his promise to allow Ruth to pursue an acting career.
All's well that end's well when Clinton relents and gives Ruth his precious spyglass (an heirloom from his seafaring days which is worth $100) and sends her off to the Big Apple where we all know the rest of the story.
Both Tracy and Simmons have one-note parts. Don't ask me about Teresa Wright's performance as there was nothing memorable about her role except providing a supportive presence for the rambunctious Simmons.
Oh yes.there's also Anthony Perkins in his film debut as Fred, Ruth's suitor desperate to marry her. Since Ruth pursues a theatrical career Fred is left in the lurch. Those who can't get enough of Anthony Perkins will enjoy his performance here.
The Actress is burdened by the fact that the screenplay is based upon Gordon's autobiographical play Years Ago. Hence the film is marked by a surfeit of dialogue. The most interesting aspect of the film-Gordon's fate as an actress-is left out entirely.
Be forewarned: The Actress (the film) is incredibly lugubrious. Therefore I recommend it strictly for Ruth Gordon aficionados.
The Actress is Gordon's coming of age tale of growing up with her parents Clinton and Annie Jones (Spencer Tracy and Teresa Wright) in Wollaston, Massachusetts (a suburb of Boston).
Despite being directed by the esteemed George Cukor, The Actress is sadly a very slow-moving affair. The exposition just goes on and on as we're introduced to Ruth's curmudgeon father who is bent on not permitting her to pursue her dreams of becoming a star of stage and screen.
Jean Simmons, 24-year-old at the time, plays the 17-year-old Ruth, although the character acts more like she's 14. Ruth is depicted comically, naïve and immature but determined to succeed at all costs.
The main dramatic moment at the midpoint is Ruth's failed interview with a theatrical producer in Boston, an appointment she keeps despite promises to her father to the contrary. Inexplicably we never get to see the scene in which her dreams are initially dashed.
Similarly, the same thing happens at the end of the film-what becomes of Ruth in New York City? The narrative simply ends abruptly. Instead, there is a little dramatic tension prior to the climax when Clinton is fired from his job and must initially renege on his promise to allow Ruth to pursue an acting career.
All's well that end's well when Clinton relents and gives Ruth his precious spyglass (an heirloom from his seafaring days which is worth $100) and sends her off to the Big Apple where we all know the rest of the story.
Both Tracy and Simmons have one-note parts. Don't ask me about Teresa Wright's performance as there was nothing memorable about her role except providing a supportive presence for the rambunctious Simmons.
Oh yes.there's also Anthony Perkins in his film debut as Fred, Ruth's suitor desperate to marry her. Since Ruth pursues a theatrical career Fred is left in the lurch. Those who can't get enough of Anthony Perkins will enjoy his performance here.
The Actress is burdened by the fact that the screenplay is based upon Gordon's autobiographical play Years Ago. Hence the film is marked by a surfeit of dialogue. The most interesting aspect of the film-Gordon's fate as an actress-is left out entirely.
Be forewarned: The Actress (the film) is incredibly lugubrious. Therefore I recommend it strictly for Ruth Gordon aficionados.