"Baby Doll" was considered shocking when it was first released. At this much later date, it just seems contrived. Famous playwright Tennessee Williams wrote the screenplay, and Elia Kazan directed. They had worked together before on "A Streetcar Named Desire", a landmark film from 1951.

The film stars Carroll Baker as the title character, a gorgeous young woman who has been married for the past year to failed businessman Karl Malden. It was a precondition for their marriage that it would not be consummated until its first anniversary, which is now pending. Malden, desperate to revive his business and gain access to his wife's bed, burns down the plant of his arch-rival Eli Wallach. His plan succeeds at first, as Wallach must use Malden's facilities to produce his cotton. But Wallach and Baker begin a collusion that could prove Malden's undoing.

There are two kinds of people who will enjoy this movie: those who would like to see Karl Malden act like an idiot, and those who would like to see Carroll Baker wear skimpy clothes. Admittedly, many people fall into one or both categories. But more is expected from "Baby Doll", which was somehow nominated for several Oscars.

The opening scene has Malden peeping through a hole in a wall at Baker, who is sleeping in a crib and sucking her thumb. This sets the tone for the movie, as Malden behaves like a reckless idiot and Baker acts like she is half her age. It is difficult to like or sympathize with any of the leading characters, who are selfish and even criminal.

There are several conversations between Wallach and Baker that seem endless, as he first sizes her up and then tries to win her. Baker's motivation to fall for Wallach seems suspect, coming right after he has threatened to kill her. The arguments between Malden and Baker that open the film are much more entertaining.

There are several black actors in this film, but they are given racist parts. They are shown idly passing time, dissipated, laughing at everything but doing nothing.

"Baby Doll" also doesn't seem to know whether it is a comedy or a drama. Perhaps it would have worked better strictly as a comedy. (45/100)




Recommended: Yes