Review of Baby Doll (1982) by Damion R — 29 Oct 2008

So, I took in this 1956 Tennessee Williams' film, directed by Elia Kazan, based purely on the fact that it was hugely controversial back in the day, and was banned by the Catholic church, the church even stating that anyone who sees it is committing a sin.

So, of course I had to see it, because anything the Catholic church bans has to have some good qualities to it.

Having said that, you also have to take into account the fact that this film did come out in 1956, when the church was just as patheticly stupid in their banning as they are today in many regards. I completely understand where the controversy lay, as Carroll Baker's portrayal of a 19 year old sex pot of a wife was almost shocking...not to mention shockingly bad. Despite the controversy, Baker's absolutely horrifying performance garnered this film one of it's FOUR Oscar nominations and I cannot understand where any of them came from. The film didn't really SAY anything except that Baker should never have taken up acting, nevermind getting an Oscar nomination for a horrendous wannabe performance.

I am glad I can say I have seen this, but will follow that up with saying that that is the ONLY thing I can say about this horribly unentertaining 1956 pseudo-sex and revenge romp.