Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Billie Dawn is a beautiful ex-chorus girl and "companion" to Harry Brock, millionaire who made his fortune in the junk business. Harry and Billie travel to Washington so that Harry can forge a deal with some influential congressmen or, simply put, bribe the congressmen for business favors. Although Billie and Harry have had a relationship for some time, Harry does not feel that Billie has the social skills needed to deal with his influential business associates. Up to that point, her involvement in his business ended at signing various paperwork that was shoved in front of her, never needing or wanting to know what she was signing. Actually, Harry was using her as a front for his shady business deals. In an attempt to save himself embarrassment and possibly help his chances of making a deal, Harry hires a tutor, Paul Verrall, to give Billie some basic schooling as well as some "class". What follows is a hilarious twist on the Pygmalion story.

Judy Holliday had played the Billie Dawn role for four years on Broadway before doing it on film. The play had been written by Garson Kanin for actress Jean Arthur, who had to leave just before the opening. Holliday learned the role in record time--three days--and made it her own. After its run on Broadway, Columbia mogul Harry Cohn bought the play, intending to star Rita Hayworth but did not start the project because Hayworth left Hollywood temporarily after her marriage to Aly Khan. Cohn did not want Holliday to play the role on film, saying she was not attractive enough. However, as Holliday's stature as an actress increased and at the request of director George Cukor, he relented.

Judy Holliday made a career of playing the not-so-dumb blonde in movies. Even in her more serious roles, there is a hint of the unforgettable Billie Dawn. For her work on Born Yesterday, she won the coveted 1951 Best Actress Academy Award, pulling off one of the biggest Oscar upsets in film history. Competing alongside her that year were Bette Davis (All about Eve) and Gloria Swanson (Sunset Boulevard).

Broderick Crawford, who had won an Academy Award for All the King's Men the year before, stars as the gruff Harry Brock. Crawford made Harry highly believable although audiences might find his habit of constantly berating Billie to be somewhat abusive by today's standards. Harry and Billie engage in a great deal of LOUD verbal sparring. Much of their time together is spent with Harry insulting Billie and later apologizing. But, in many cases, Billie comes out on top with some snappy remark: "Do me a favor. Will ya, Harry? Drop dead!" Harry, not having a great many social skills himself, is the perfect opposite of the handsome and intellectual Paul Verrall (William Holden). Holden gives a good performance as the journalist-tutor who transforms the naive and illiterate Billie into a sophisticated, intelligent young woman.

When Born Yesterday was released in 1950, it was considered a very controversial film. This was a time when the United States was going through a period of strong anti-Communist sentiment. Many saw the suggestion that politicians might be corrupted as a Communist idea. As odd as such a thing sounds today, Miss Holliday was actually brought before the Un-American Activities Committee and questioned by them as well as agents from the FBI. The actress obviously found the hearing a ridiculous display and answered all questions using the shrill voice and dimwitted persona of her character Billie Dawn. While Holliday was not charged, some said that her obvious contempt for the proceedings damaged her career. After she received her Oscar, she was blasted by gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, who hinted that the actress had Communist affiliations. It is interesting to note that, while the Communist issue was explored, there was no mention of censoring the sexual references and double entendres made within the film.

Born Yesterday is a riotously funny movie with great characters and acting. While the main plot involves the transformation of Billie, there are also underlying feminist and political issues. No matter which theme is explored by the viewer, this classic comedy is well worth viewing.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS