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The Actress is a 1953 romantic comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor and stars Spencer Tracy, Jean Simmons and Teresa Wright. The film follows the story of an ambitious young woman named Ruth Gordon Jones, who dreams of becoming a famous actress on Broadway. She leaves her small town of Whitfield, Wisconsin, and her family, to pursue her dream of acting in New York City.

Ruth, portrayed by Jean Simmons, is an idealistic and determined woman who perseveres despite the challenges she faces. She rents a small apartment and begins to look for work as an actress. She quickly discovers that it's not easy to make a name for herself in the competitive world of showbiz, and she struggles to get recognized for her talents.

Spencer Tracy plays the role of Clinton Jones, Ruth's father, who opposes her decision to pursue an acting career. He disapproves of Ruth's ambition and feels that she should stay in Whitfield and take care of the family farm. Nonetheless, Ruth is not discouraged by her father's criticism and continues to pursue her dream.

The film also explores the romantic relationship between Ruth and playboy director, Tony, portrayed by Anthony Perkins. Ruth falls in love with Tony, and the two begin to date. Their relationship is not without obstacles, and Ruth struggles to balance her newfound love with her passion for acting.

The Actress is a charming and heartwarming film that showcases Simmons' acting skills as a budding actress. She portrays the character of Ruth convincingly, bringing both her ambition and vulnerability to life. Spencer Tracy delivers a solid performance as Ruth's father, portraying a man who is torn between his love for his daughter and his belief that she is making a mistake in pursuing an acting career.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of the theater world in the 1950s. The audiences and performances depicted in the film reflect the cultural and social values of the time, including the importance of family and marriage. The film was shot in beautiful black and white, which adds a classic and timeless feel to the story.

In addition to the main cast, The Actress features a talented supporting cast, including Teresa Wright, who plays the supportive friend and aspiring actress, Alice. Wright's portrayal of Alice adds depth and humor to the film's storyline. The film also features a score by Bronislau Kaper, which complements the film's tone and enhances the emotional impact of the scenes.

Overall, The Actress is a must-see film for movie lovers and fans of classical Hollywood cinema. The film combines romance, drama, and comedy to produce a heart-warming and entertaining story of a young woman who follows her dreams in pursuit of a successful acting career. The performances, direction, and music are all excellent and make for a memorable film experience.

The Actress is a 1953 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.