COUNTRY GIRL - 1954

In a theatre where auditions are being held for a new musical production, the director, Bernie Dodd, watches a number performed by fading star Frank Elgin and suggests he be cast. This is met with strong opposition from Cook, the show's producer.



Bernie offers the role to the down-on-his-luck Elgin, who is living in a very modest apartment with his wife Georgie, a cold and bitter woman who has aged far beyond her years. They are grateful, though not entirely certain Frank can handle the work.



Bernie assumes that Georgie is the reason for Elgin's career decline and strongly criticizes her, behind her back and even to her face. What he doesn't know is that the real reason that Elgin's career has ended is due to the death of their five-year-old son Johnny, who was hit by a car while in the care of his father.



Mealy-mouthed to the director's face, Elgin is actually a demanding alcoholic who is totally dependent on his wife. Bernie mistakenly blames her for everything that happens during rehearsals of the show, including Elgin's requests for a dresser and a run-of-the-show contract. He believes Georgie to be suicidal and a drunk, when it is actually Frank who is both.



Humiliated when he learns the truth, Bernie realizes that behind his hatred of Georgie was a strong attraction to her. He kisses her and falls in love.



Elgin succeeds in the role on opening night. Afterward he demands respect from the producer that he and his wife had not been given previously. At a party to celebrate, Bernie believes that now that Elgin has recovered his self-respect and stature, Georgie will be free to leave him. But she stands by her husband instead.



Director: George Seaton

Writers: Clifford Odets (play) George Seaton (screenplay)

Contact: View company contact information for The Country Girl on IMDbPro.

Genre: Drama

Tagline: How far should a woman go...to redeem the man she loves?

Plot: A director hires an alcoholic has-been and strikes up a stormy relationship with the actor's wife, whom he believes is the cause of all the man's problems.




Keywords: Director Alcoholic Actor Alley Guilt



Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 9 nominations




Cast: (Complete credited cast)



Bing Crosby... Frank Elgin

Grace Kelly... Georgie Elgin

William Holden... Bernie Dodd

Anthony Ross... Philip Cook

Gene Reynolds... Larry

Jacqueline Fontaine... Lounge singer

Eddie Ryder... Ed

Robert Kent... Paul Unger

John W. Reynolds... Henry Johnson



Runtime: 104 min

Country: USA

Language: English

Color: Black and White

Aspect Ratio:1.78

Sound Mix: Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification: Australia:PG | Finland:S | Sweden:15 | USA:Approved (PCA #17063, General Audience) | UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (video rating) (2004) | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations: New York City, New York, USA See more »

Company: Paramount Pictures

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Director
• Alcoholic
• Actor
• Alley
• Guilt
• Love
• Drama
• Relationship
• drama
• bing
• crosby
• grace
• kelly
• Jose
• Nelson