Overview
A loud-mouthed tycoon gets more than he bargained for when he tries to polish his mistress into high society.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- sardonic
- warm
- classic movie night
- date night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the lively adaptation, incisive dialogue, and Judy Holliday's star-making comic performance, while some found the later portion visually static and less engaging.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Harry Brock tries to purchase political influence in Washington while Billie learns the civic consequences of corruption.
Paul Verrall teaches Billie history and civics, enabling her to recognize Harry's corruption and assert her own judgment.
Billie's malapropisms and showgirl persona lead others to dismiss her even as she becomes the story's moral center.
The film preserves the Broadway play's emphasis on verbal exchanges among Billie, Harry, Paul, and Washington insiders.
Films like Born Yesterday, and why
The Philadelphia Story
sharp political satire, romantic comedy, and an intelligent woman gaining independence from a domineering man
My Fair Lady
classic screwball wit, social performance, and romance shaped by education and class
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
romantic comedy driven by political corruption, civic ideals, and spirited dialogue
The Lady Eve
classic comedy of social transformation with a strong female lead and satirical edge
Movie Details
- Director
- George Cukor
- Release Date
- 1950-12-26
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (190)
Cast
- Judy Holliday
- Broderick Crawford
- William Holden
- Howard St. John
- Frank Otto
- Larry Oliver
- Barbara Brown
- Grandon Rhodes
- Claire Carleton
- Chet Brandenburg
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Born Yesterday about?
- A brash kept woman acquires an education, a conscience, and the courage to challenge the corrupt tycoon who treats her as property.
- What is Born Yesterday like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Born Yesterday as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Born Yesterday violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Born Yesterday.
- What did critics think of Born Yesterday?
- Critics broadly praised the lively adaptation, incisive dialogue, and Judy Holliday's star-making comic performance, while some found the later portion visually static and less engaging.
- Which films are like Born Yesterday?
- Films with a similar feel include The Philadelphia Story, My Fair Lady, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and The Lady Eve.
- How long is Born Yesterday?
- Born Yesterday runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Born Yesterday?
- In United States, Born Yesterday is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
