Released – April, 1942 

Directed By - Lloyd Bacon

Starring – Edward G. Robinson (J. Chalmers ‘Pressure’ Maxwell), Jane Wyman (Denny Costello), Broderick Crawford (Jug Martin), Jack Carson (Jeff Randolph), Anthony Quinn (Leo Dexter).

Description – ‘Pressure’ Maxwell is about to be released from prison and hopes to go straight. So straight, in fact, that he has just turned down an offer to rob a bank from fellow inmate Leo Dexter.

Maxwell’s plan is to purchase a Florida dog racing track and live a legitimate life with his adopted daughter Denny. However, there is one big problem…no money. Maybe the bank job isn’t such a bad idea afterall.

Maxwell buys a small luggage shop adjacent to the bank with the idea of breaking through the common wall into the banks vault. However, the luggage shop turns into a big success and any idea of a bank robbery is soon abandoned.

Happy ending? Not so fast. Convict Leo Dexter has heard about Maxwell stealing his idea for the robbery and has escaped prison with a plan to force Maxwell to aid with the theft.

NOTABLE: Edward G. Robinson took this role to ‘soften’ his public image after having played so many gangster and tough guy roles.

Comedian Jackie Gleason played a cameo role in the film as a soda jerk.

Included in the Warner Gangster Collection Vol. 4

Warner Gangsters Collection, Vol. 4 (The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse / Invisible Stripes / Kid Galahad / Larceny, Inc. / The Little Giant / Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film)

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Released – December, 1950 

Directed By - George Cukor

Starring – Judy Holliday (Emma ‘Billie’ Dawn), Broderick Crawford (Harry Brock), William Holden (Paul Verrall), Howard St. John (Jim Devery).

Description – Millionaire junk-dealer Harry Brock, his girlfriend Billie, and his crooked lawyer travel to Washington, D.C. with Harry’s sites set on ‘buying’ a politician.  Although he is quite crude himself, Harry is worried that Billie, who can be a little dizzy, might reflect badly on him. 

In an effort to educate her on how to behave with a little class, Harry hires Professor Paul Verrall to do the job.  It turns out that Billie is not as dumb as she may appear and she and Paul really hit it off.  A very funny and entertaining film.

NOTABLE: This film won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Judy Holliday), and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing, Screenplay, and Best Costume Design, Black and White.

Judy Holliday was the third choice for the role of Billie Dawn even though she played the role on Broadway.  Both Jean Arthur, and Rita Hayworth were considered first.  As it turned out, Judy was clearly the best choice and won an Oscar.

Garson Kanin sold the movie rights to Columbia Pictures for a then record $1,000,000.

The Broadway run of Born Yesterday lasted for 1642 performances.

Personal Comment:  I am happy to have this in my own movie collection as it truly is one of the great classic comedies of all time.  Judy Holliday’s performance in this film is widely known as a great one, but don’t overlook Broderick Crawfod… he’s hysterical.

Born Yesterday

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