Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great acting, heavy themes in Old Hollywood classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Where to Watch
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The Country Girl (1954)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Washed-up Broadway has-been Frank Elgin (Bing Crosby) has been married to THE COUNTRY GIRL Georgie (Grace Kelly) for 10 years. Big-time director Bernie Dodd (William Holden) offers Frank a chance to make a comeback in Bernie's next big play. But Georgie's afraid the pressure will drive Frank to start drinking again. Frank's not sure he's up for it either. Everyone knows Frank just hasn't been the same since his young son was killed in a tragic accident. Can Frank keep it together with Bernie and Georgie constantly bickering about what's best for him? Or will Bernie find out the hard way that he picked the wrong leading man?
Is It Any Good?
The excellent acting's the main draw in this slow-paced adaptation of a Broadway drama with mature, heavy themes. Grace Kelly earned her only Oscar for her portrayal of The Country Girl, but it's Bing Crosby as the washed-up, alcoholic, has-been whose acting really stands out, and stands up over time. Fans of Old Hollywood, and of acting in general, will appreciate the stellar performances. It's a great character study of how three very different, fascinating people tackle life's problems.
But it keeps a very play-like feel, with cameras that don't move around the small sets very much, and dialog that often sounds more like someone's giving a speech than just talking normally. If acting's your thing, by all means sink your teeth into these great examples. It's just not an ideal choice for family-movie night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Frank's drinking problem in The Country Girl. Do you agree with Bernie, that drinkers only quit either by dying, or by deciding not to all by themselves? Why or why not?
Do old Hollywood movies make smoking look cool? What do we know about it now that they didn't back in 1954? What are some good reasons not to start in the first place?
Broadway plays have been turned into movies many times, including this one. Can you think of any recent Broadway plays or musicals that have been made into movies? What about the other way around, movies into plays?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 15, 1954
- On DVD or streaming : October 18, 2004
- Cast : Bing Crosby , Grace Kelly , William Holden
- Director : George Seaton
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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