Oscar video pick of the week: The Country Girl, directed by George Seaton. The film follows a tortured married couple, played by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. Crosby plays Frank Elgin, a once celebrated stage actor who is offered the chance to be great again; Kelly plays Georgie, his steadfast and loyal wife. The couple suffer a tragic loss and struggle to recover from it. Frank turns to the bottle and Georgie deals with his alcoholism by being the co-dependent and faithful wife. When Frank is offered the chance at the stage again, Georgie is determined to see him succeed; or is she. William Holden plays Bernie Dodd, the director of the new show and Dodd learns, through Frank, that Georgie is manipulative and controlling and she doesn't have Frank's best interest at heart. Bernie becomes convinced that Georgie is potentially harmful to Frank and by extension the show. The scene in which Bernie learns the truth about the marriage is a terrific scene that would make a great audition piece. The acting is top notch and Grace Kelly give a tour de force performance in her Oscar winning role; her only one. The film was also nominated for Best Picture and Seaton was nominated for a director Oscar. Crosby also scored a Best Actor nod but lost out to Marlon Brando. It's a terrific film and truly a classic.

paul