COUNTRY GIRL, THE (1954)

Three legendary performers at the peak of their screen careers joined forces in this riveting film adaptation of Clifford Odets’ acclaimed play. Bing Crosby (Going My Way, Road to Utopia) is Frank Elgin, an alcoholic, guilt-ridden former music star desperate to make a comeback. William Holden (Stalag 17, Sunset Boulevard) is the hotshot Broadway director in need of a “name” star for his new stage production. And Grace Kelly (High Noon, Rear Window) is The Country Girl—Frank’s long-suffering wife, who’s both weary of her husband’s weaknesses and wary of the director’s motives. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Actor (Crosby) and Best Picture of 1954, this sterling melodrama from writer-director George Seaton (Miracle on 34th Street, The Proud and Profane) earned Kelly an Oscar (Best Actress, 1954) for her strong and passionate performance as well as one for Seaton’s spellbinding screenplay.