The Actress (1953)

Plot: Comedy-drama film.  Set in 1913 Massachusetts, a teenager pursues a theatrical career over her Father's objections. Based on Ruth Gordon's autobiographical play Years Ago.
Stars: Jean Simmons, Spencer Tracy, Teresa Wright, and Anthony Perkins

Its hard to believe but Ruth Gordon was an old woman of 57, when she wrote the screenplay looking back on her Youth of 1913.  Little did anyone know she'd keep working for another 30 years!

Anyway, I wanted to like The Actress a lot - but was disappointed. Everyone acts well, they just seem miscast. Simmons is too old* to play a very girlish 17-year old  and overcompensates with a high voice.   Tracy is supposed to be a "lovable Grump" - but mostly he's just a  Grump.  And, rarely for Tracy, he tries too hard**.  As for Wright (35 y/o), she looks like Jean Simmons older sister.  Side Note: having oddball Tony Perkins as the Suitor doesn't help.***

The story? Its very slight and needed more charm, energy, and a better third act****.

Summary:   Based on a Broadway smash, with an all-star cast, The Actress should've been a hit.  But it did poor Box Office, and its been forgotten.  And you can see why.  Its low on conflict, laughs, or romance. But its a well-done, modest movie.  Rating 2 of 4

Notes
*Debbie Reynolds desperately wanted to do the part, and probably would've been more energetic and credible.
** Tracy's role should've been played by a Character actor, but some box-office heft was needed.   Looking back, was Tracy ever "Lovable"? In most of his movies, he's likable, but his humor can be classified as "dry wit".
*** Tony Perkins was fine when he was playing an offbeat character. Like, Robert Walker, I never buy him in standard/straightforward roles.
**** Should Gordon have adopted her own play?  Probably not. Maybe Cukor/Tracy just liked Ruth Gordon a little too much.