William Holden

Although I have seen "The Country Girl" numerous times, I never fail to be moved by the lines that William Holden speaks regarding alcoholism, such as either a drinker dies or he quits on his own. More ironic is the dialogue offered by Grace Kelly when she is about to walk out on Bing Crosby as per Mr. Holden's pleadings, not realizing that she is the stalwart figure behind Crosby. She said to Holden as the Bernie Dodd character, that her husband Frank (Bing Crosby) will be in the strong, sober hands of Bernie Dodd.

I just find watching Bill Holden's movies to be a downer sometimes, because he had everything going for him, but happiness. Several moments of his off screen persona will remain with me always, namely his interview with David Frost, when Frost had a NY based program, and his acknowledgment of Barbara Stanwyck at the Academy Awards in the late 1970s, what she did for his career early on during the making of "Golden Boy". Harry Cohn, head of Columbia Pictures at the time was going to replace Holden, but Stanwyck coached him through the part and salvaged his budding career. He went on to say that because of her interest, understanding and above all her generosity, that he is here tonight on stage (the megastar that he became) and they embraced. True class and I am happy that he managed to say what was in his heart for the world to hear. Well done.