LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Carroll Baker: Baby Doll
built 633 days ago
Carroll Baker, dropping dialogue with a flat, gun-moll's drawl that belied her airy beauty, is one of the more interesting lapsed icons of the early '60s. Subverting the "Baby Doll" persona that would later stalk her through such trash-glamour films as "Harlow" and "The Carpetbaggers," the actress took a brave step into indie waters with "Something Wild," a fiercely absorbing stab at urban realism, released and quickly consigned to the scrap heap in 1961.
Source:
In 1956 Carroll Baker became an overnight sex symbol following her portrayal of the dimwitted, naive,perverted teen-aged bride in the surprise hit Baby Doll. However, her next series of forgettable films did little to advance her celebrity. She actually had a remarkable comeback in 1964 in her portrayal of the money-hungry,blonde bimbo in the blockbuster the Carpetbaggers.
Source:
There are two kinds of people who will enjoy this movie: those who would like to see Karl Malden act like an idiot, and those who would like to see Carroll Baker wear skimpy clothes. Admittedly, many people fall into one or both categories. But more is expected from "Baby Doll", which was somehow nominated for several Oscars.
Source:
At 5:00 PM is a screening of Elia Kazan’s controversial 1956 film BABY DOLL starring Carroll Baker in a ground-breaking performance as a thumb-sucking, child bride in the deep south. Karl Malden stars as Archie Lee Meighan, her middle-aged husband, a cotton gin owner who eagerly awaits his bride’s 20th birthday when they will finally consummate their marriage. But rival cotton business man Silva Vaccaro (Eli Wallach in his film debut) suspects Archie of burning down his gin and takes an erotic form of Sicilian vengeance in this gothic tale of pride and perversity. Based on a Tennessee Williams’ play, BABY DOLL garnered Oscar nominations for Carroll Baker (Best Actress); for Boris Kaufman (Best Cinematography Black & White); Mildred Dunnock (Best Supporting Actress) for and Tennessee Williams (Best Writing, Best Screenplay adapted for script). BABY DOLL was condemned by the Legion of Decency upon its release. Rip Torn ... makes his film debut in an uncredited role.
Source:
Orginally accepted as a student at the Studio by Mr. Garfein, then on their board of directors, Carroll studied under Lee Strasberg. She made her Broadway debut in "Escapade" and then won the coveted role of Ruth in "All Summer Long." He first film appearance was in "Giant," starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and the late James Dean, who played her suitor. Her performance marked her as star material and Elia Kazan asked her to try for the leading role in Tennessee Williams' "Baby Doll." The rest is screen history.
Source:
![[Carroll Baker]](http://retrieverimages.lycos.com/images/c/a/r/carroll-baker/i/005.jpg)
Carroll is an assistant to Clark Gable's aging Broadway director. She is in love with him and he is oblivious to her. She ... is an aspiring actress. When her career takes off and his career falters their relationship takes some melodramatic twists and turns. After the raunchy, exploitative Baby Doll this film seems downright quaint.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Baby Doll