The Country Girl (1954)

Academy Awards, USA 1955

Winner Oscar	Best Actress in a Leading Role Grace Kelly
	Best Writing, Screenplay George Seaton
Nominee Oscar	Best Picture William Perlberg
	Best Actor in a Leading Role Bing Crosby
	Best Director George Seaton
	Best Cinematography, Black-and-White John F. Warren
	Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White Hal Pereira Roland Anderson Sam Comer Grace Gregory

Paramount
Directed by George Seaton
My rating: 2.5 stars out of 4
IMDb Wikipedia
(DVD, Paramount)

Bing plays a middle-aged actor on the down and outs who gets an audition that could revive his career thanks to admiring director William Holden. The audition in front of a skeptical producer goes well for Bing, but he walks to the nearest bar before finding out he got the part. Holden later confronts him at home in front of his wife, Grace Kelly, whom he believes is responsible for Bing's behavior. However, the alcoholic turns out not not to be Grace but Bing, whom she is protecting. After a tense opening night, the play is a success. Bing gets his confidence back, and an apology from the producer, but still must deal with the fact the his wife and Holden may be falling in love. Bing and Grace dress down from their usual roles, to mixed results. Bing is fine and gives one of the best performances of his long career. Grace's performance, though, seems forced, especially in her scenes with Holden, who at times seems over-the-top in his performance.