The Actress (1953)

A stage struck teenager (Jean Simmons) is determined to become a stage actress despite her father's (Spencer Tracy) insistence that she become a physical education teacher. Based on the autobiographical play YEARS AGO by the Oscar winning actress Ruth Gordon (ROSEMARY'S BABY), the film never quite convinces us that Simmons has the talent nor the drive to become the successful stage actress that Gordon became. As an actress, we all know that Simmons has the acting chops so I'll scratch it to the script (also written by Gordon). Anyway, despite the film's title, the movie belongs to Tracy as her ex-seaman father. He walks his way through the film like a bull in a China shop (that's meant to be a compliment) bringing some much needed vitality. It compensates for the drab performance of Teresa Wright as the mother. Still, there are several amusing moments. Directed by George Cukor. With Anthony Perkins as Simmons' young suitor (his film debut), Mary Wickes, Jackie Coogan, Ian Wolfe and Kay Williams, who retired after this film to become Mrs. Clark Gable.