Baby Doll (1956)
Baby Doll (1956)
A controversial film invoking a variety of opinions which tells the story of a child bride (Carroll Baker her only Oscar nominated performance – Best Actress) and her clueless husband (Karl Malden) who strives to please her enough to finally consummate their marriage. Their lives are tragically influenced by an Italian businessman (Eli Wallach in his film debut) who’s a newcomer in their community. There are some extremely uncomfortable scenes particularly between Wallach & Baker which make this one hard to watch without wincing (it made my skin crawl) just as author Tennessee Williams (Adapted Screenplay Oscar nomination) intended it I’m guessing. Mildred Dunnock received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for playing Aunt Rose who lives with Baker & Malden. Directed by Elia Kazan (Gentleman’s Agreement (1947) & On the Waterfront (1954)). The film also received an Oscar nomination for its B&W Cinematography.
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