I know 1940 was an awesome year for supporting actresses (Judith Anderson in REBECCA and the winnner Jane Darwell in THE GRAPES OF WRATH) but surely Mary Boland and Edna May Oliver deserved a nomination for their sterling work in this film. Boland was cheated the previous year as well with her grand work in THE WOMEN, at least Oliver got a nomination that year for her fine DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK.
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Ditto, people. Ditto in spades.
Boland's performance is not only one of the best supporting actor performances ever, it is among the best screen performances of ANY kind, ever.
That's what I think.
Also, consider this: I believe that this film offers the greatest assemblage of Character actors with the best possible script for each. This is no small task. Even Greer Garson and Olivier, who would be considered "leads" and not "character" parts, are really so well acted that they could be considered characterizations. It is an extraordinary accomplishment. From Wickham to the fellow who opens the film at the dress shop, to all the folks at the ball, it is a veritable treasure trove of character portrayals, which are always much more interesting than lead characters. Fascinating.
I do agree, that with GONE WITH THE WIND, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1940) is the best cast film ever made. The actors are all perfect.
Mary Boland is absolutely superb. The role of Mrs. Bennett is a difficult one, and some of the actresses who followed in her wake went way over the top and/or made her as irritating and obnoxious as snobby D'Arcy sees her. Boland's Bennet is a cackling hen but she is a loving one and it makes her character a delight. I agree her performances is one of the screen's alltime best. I've always felt Mary Boland was the best character actress of the golden era of films.