Born Yesterday (1950)

95% of critics liked it
(20 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(4,413 ratings)

Garson Kanin's Broadway hit was transferred to the screen with only a few passing nods to the stricter censorship required by films. Judy Holliday won an Oscar for her portrayal of Billie Dawn, a strident, dim-bulbed ex-chorus girl who is the mistress of millionaire junk tycoon Harry Brock… More Garson Kanin's Broadway hit was transferred to the screen with only a few passing nods to the stricter censorship required by films. Judy Holliday won an Oscar for her portrayal of Billie Dawn, a strident, dim-bulbed ex-chorus girl who is the mistress of millionaire junk tycoon Harry Brock (Broderick Crawford). In Washington to put a few senators and congressmen in his pocket (the better to lay the groundwork for an illegal cartel), the rude-and-crude Brock realizes that the unrefined Billie will prove an embarrassment. Thus he hires idealistic but impoverished Paul Verrell (William Holden) to pump some intelligence and "class" into Billie. Paul does his job too well; by awakening Billie's social and political consciousness, he turns the girl into Brock's most formidable foe in his efforts to buy influence in DC. Along the way Paul and Billie fall in love. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: George Cukor
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 26, 1950 Wide
On DVD: Feb 15, 2000

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
George Cukor directed, a little impersonally for him.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
More firm in its social implications than ever it was on the stage and blessed with a priceless performance by rocketing Judy Holliday, this beautifully integrated compound of character study and farce made a resounding entry at the Victoria yesterday.
Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Lively political comedy.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
Judy Holliday steals the show as the dumb blonde whose gangster boyfriend wants her to acquire some culture, so he hires her a tutor.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The highlight of this lively Garson Kanin Broadway comedy is the most delightful 'dumb blonde' to ever grace the screen...
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
By the timer Kanin's play was made into a film, the work has lost some of its political bite, and the last reel is too preachy for a comedy, but make no mistake, as the dumb blonde Judy Holliday is brilliant.
, Time Out
Magic.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Its attack on the political system being corrupted is too mild for today's even more expanded corrupt times.
Brad Laidman, Film Threat
It's full of great ideas about the wonder of the common man.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Fun and funny, with some fabulous verbal sparring.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Speaking in a ditsy, shrill lilt that hints at concealed wisdom, Holliday slyly turns the dumb-blonde stereotype inside out.
Susan Granger, www.susangranger.com
Forget the re-make. This is the original!
, Film4
The real chemistry on screen is between [Judy] Holliday and [Michael] Crawford who deftly and wittily explore every nuance of their relationship.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Classic translation of the play that would have been even better with Paul Douglas.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bob S

Delightfully ditzy performance by Judy Holliday.
AJ V

A very funny movie, I loved Holliday's performance, she's great in this movie.
Jennifer X

Judy Holliday is a dizzy cutie, but sometimes she grated. I don't think the romance element of this screwball quite worked out, but it's a rather enjoyable experience all the same. Also, Baxter + Davis + Shearer >>>>>>> Holliday. But it's okay.… More
Judy Holliday is a dizzy cutie, but sometimes she grated. I don't think the romance element of this screwball quite worked out, but it's a rather enjoyable experience all the same. Also, Baxter + Davis + Shearer >>>>>>> Holliday. But it's okay. Sometimes it reminded me of a Chaplin silent.
xGary X

Another fantastic romantic comedy from the golden age, Born Yesterday is actually rather more sophisticated than most, as it involves social satire and political commentary as well. The sparkling dialogue and seamless direction by George Cukor (the gin rummy scene is comedy gold) is… More
Another fantastic romantic comedy from the golden age, Born Yesterday is actually rather more sophisticated than most, as it involves social satire and political commentary as well. The sparkling dialogue and seamless direction by George Cukor (the gin rummy scene is comedy gold) is complimented by wonderfully realised characters from Judy Holliday's endearingly child-like rough diamond to William Holden's upstanding scholar who takes her under his wing. It's essentially Pygmalion relocated to contemporary Washington, and the themes still ring true today. My favourite line was "Democratic, you know what that means don't you?" "Yeah, not Republican!" There's a political allegory going on as well, Broderick Crawford's bullying businessman representing selfish corporate interest, either buying off or subjugating those around him by keeping them ignorant of his double dealing. It also works as a charming romance, Holden and Holliday having real chemistry together. Unfortunately it was the subject of a typically charmless remake starring Melanie Griffith that's best forgotten.
jay n

judy is great but the movie has dated rather badly
Byron B

Funny, funny movie! And smart. Holliday is the ultimate platinum blond ditz without any social grace that all future ones are based on. William Holden is also a favorite of mine. I love the characters he plays including this one.
Sunil J

Judy Holliday makes this movie what it is. A smart charmer.
Doctor S

'Born Yesterday' And Hilarious Today In the ultimate dumb blonde role, Judy Holliday nailed it. The almost-silent gin rummy sequence between her & Broderick Crawford is a gem. Great script.

Read all 8 featured audience ratings

Cast

Broderick Crawford
as Harry Brock
Judy Holliday
as Billie Dawn
William Holden
as Paul Verrall

Howard St. John
as Jim Devery
Frank Otto
as Eddie
Larry Oliver
as Norval Hedges

See full cast

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