It's all very subjective, of course, when one tries to decide who is the "best American actor" (historically). But for me, it's always been a toss up between Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, with the edge going to Cary Grant because he was equally comfortable with comedy and drama. But watching film, I've firmly decided that (at least for me) Cary Grant is the greatest American actor (historically).
No, it's not because this is a great film. It isn't. It's mildly entertaining.
But as I sat watching this film, all I could think was that there probably wasn't another actor who could play the main character and not turn the film into a farce.
Think of it. A fantasy about a dancing caterpillar who eventually turns into a butterfly, after bringing a sense of loyalty to a little boy and a sense of hope to a jaded Broadway producer. A dancing caterpillar! And yet, Cary Grant pulled it off with panache! There a list of character actors here whom you'll recognize, including William Demarest. But here the prize goes to James Gleason. Janet Blair is the romantic lead...sort of. But the co-star is really Ted Donaldson -- the little boy.
A gem of a film, very offbeat, heartwarming, and handled well so that it didn't become farce.
No, it's not because this is a great film. It isn't. It's mildly entertaining.
But as I sat watching this film, all I could think was that there probably wasn't another actor who could play the main character and not turn the film into a farce.
Think of it. A fantasy about a dancing caterpillar who eventually turns into a butterfly, after bringing a sense of loyalty to a little boy and a sense of hope to a jaded Broadway producer. A dancing caterpillar! And yet, Cary Grant pulled it off with panache! There a list of character actors here whom you'll recognize, including William Demarest. But here the prize goes to James Gleason. Janet Blair is the romantic lead...sort of. But the co-star is really Ted Donaldson -- the little boy.
A gem of a film, very offbeat, heartwarming, and handled well so that it didn't become farce.