Johnny Belinda
BBB.5
(out of 5)
Jane Wyman won an Academy Award for her sensitive portrayal of a deaf-mute woman in Nova Scotia who bears a child after being raped by a local bad guy. At first her shocked family think that she has behaved improperly, but when they learn the truth they decide to support her as best as they can, even in light of Wyman’s decision to keep the child and raise it. This early attempt at dealing with disabilities is slightly patronizing and mawkish, but Wyman’s honest performance keeps it grounded and doesn’t allow anything to get too hammy.
USA, 1948
Directed by Jean Negulesco
Screenplay by Irma von Cube, Allen Vincent, based on the stage play by Elmer Harris
Cinematography by Ted D. McCord
Produced by Jerry Wald
Music by Max Steiner
Production Design by Robert M. Haas
Costume Design by Milo Anderson
Film Editing by David Weisbart
Golden Globe Awards 1948
