In 1913 Massachusetts, teen Ruth Gordon Jones (Jean Simmons) dreams of being a stage actress. Her father Clinton Jones (Spencer Tracy) is a poor workman. She's the only child of Clinton and Annie (Teresa Wright). Harvard student Fred Whitmarsh (Anthony Perkins) is head over heels for her. She sets off to chase her dream despite her father's reservations. For her, he is willing to give it all.
I only know Ruth Gordon from her later works. For me, she is always that compelling sassy old lady with the memorable voice. I don't know much about her earlier acting or her writing. This is not the most dramatic of stories. It's a very straight forward plot. It's all about the actors. I really love Spencer Tracy and his character. The friction in the father daughter relationship is never that harsh. He's rather endearing. Jean Simmons is a little older to play a teen. It's Perkins' screen debut. This is fine, but the story needs more drama.
I only know Ruth Gordon from her later works. For me, she is always that compelling sassy old lady with the memorable voice. I don't know much about her earlier acting or her writing. This is not the most dramatic of stories. It's a very straight forward plot. It's all about the actors. I really love Spencer Tracy and his character. The friction in the father daughter relationship is never that harsh. He's rather endearing. Jean Simmons is a little older to play a teen. It's Perkins' screen debut. This is fine, but the story needs more drama.