The Actress (1953)

The story of Ruth Gordon’s early years as an aspiring actress doesn’t sound like a particularly interesting plot and it really isn’t. Jean Simmons plays Ruth as a manic pixie to poor effect. Though I do think it was rather inspired to cast Simmons and Teresa Wright as relatives, though they look more like siblings than mother and daughter. Despite the title, the film is really Spencer Tracy’s. He plays her father with more depth than usual and his character arc is heartfelt. There’s also a delightful scene where he participates full-heartedly in a gymnastics exhibition.

Oscar Nomination: Best Costume Design, Black-and-White