William Holden is a director for a musical theater show and he wants Bing Crosby for the lead. The problem with that scenario is no one else thinks Crosby can pull it off. Crosby has been a drunk for the last several years and he is unreliable. Fortunately for Crosby, he has his wife by his side played by Grace Kelly.
Crosby has been a drunk for so long because several years earlier his kid was run over by a car when he was supposed to be watching after him. He has felt guilty ever since and he will not take any responsibility since that accident. He is nervous and scared about the new show because everything is lying on his shoulders. Kelly pushes him on, trying to get the best out of him, but Crosby tells Holden that Kelly really isn't needed. Crosby just has Kelly help him so she can feel good about herself. It is then realized that Crosby was lying and he has been lying to Holden the entire time. He really is scared and a down and out drunk. But with Kelly's and Holden's help, he can commit and be successful in the show.
During the film, Holden and Kelly fall for each other. In the final scene, Kelly has to make a choice between Holden and Crosby. Crosby understands if she chooses Holden since he has held her down for the past 10 years with his guilt and alcoholism. Fortunately, Kelly chooses Crosby so they can start a new life together.
"The Country Girl" is a very good film. I was surprised how good it was. This is the second film I have seen with Grace Kelly and she is simply amazing. She really is outstanding and she is one of the most beautiful actresses I have ever seen. Seeing her in this film makes me want to see every other movie she has done. Kelly won the Oscar for "The Country Girl".
Bing Crosby was incredible in the film also. Not only does he do his usual singing parts, but he has many dramatic scenes. This was one of the first times audiences really saw how great of an actor Crosby really is. William Holden is also great. He is very convincing as a strong director. He probably based his characterization on directors he has dealt with in the past.
The reason I wanted to see "The Country Girl" was because of the William Holden episode of "I Love Lucy". On that episode, Ricky asks Holden what he is working on and he replies "I just finished a picture called "The Country Girl" with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly." That was enough for me! I had to see it!
"The Country Girl" was nominated for many Oscars, including Best Picture. It only won 2 however. Best Actress and Best Writing. It really did deserve at least those, if not more. It was a great picture.
A I recommend it.
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