Watch Born Yesterday

Born Yesterday is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor and released in 1950. The movie stars Judy Holliday, William Holden, and Broderick Crawford in the lead roles. The story revolves around a wealthy business tycoon, his uneducated girlfriend, and a journalist hired to tutor her in basic knowledge and manners. Judy Holliday plays the role of Billie Dawn, the girlfriend of the wealthy businessman Harry Brock, played by Broderick Crawford. Billie is a blonde bombshell with a high-pitched voice, little education, and no sense of decorum. Though Harry loves her, he realizes that she makes him look foolish in public, so he hires a journalist named Paul Verrall, played by William Holden, to tutor her in basic knowledge and manners. Harry orders Paul to teach her about politics, law, history, and the art of conversation so that she can hold her own in elite social circles.

Initially, Billie is uncooperative and resentful of Paul's presence. However, over time, she grows to like him and the attention he gives her. As she gains knowledge and confidence, she starts to question her relationship with Harry and his questionable business practices. Paul, on the hand, is politically motivated and has his own agenda. He sees Billie as a pawn in his larger goal of exposing Harry's corrupt dealings.

Throughout the movie, there are comedic and romantic moments as Billie learns about the world she's been sheltered from. For example, she learns about the American Declaration of Independence, the difference between the Democratic and Republican parties, and the meaning of the word 'overthrow.' Paul takes her to the library, and she reads books of her own for the first time. The couple also goes on a date to the Lincoln Memorial, where they dance and talk about their dreams and aspirations.

As the story progresses, Billie becomes more and more disillusioned with Harry and his unethical practices. She starts voicing her own opinions and questioning his actions in public, embarrassing him and putting herself in danger. Harry is not pleased with the change in her behavior and starts to feel threatened by her newfound intelligence and assertiveness.

The climax of the film comes when Harry discovers that Paul has been using Billie as a pawn to get information on his business deals. In a fit of rage, he threatens to harm Billie, and it becomes a race against time for Paul to rescue her from the dangerous situation.

Born Yesterday is a witty and charming film that explores themes of class, education, and the innate potential of individuals. The performances by the lead actors are superb, with Judy Holliday delivering a memorable performance as the ditzy yet endearing Billie Dawn. William Holden and Broderick Crawford also shine in their roles, adding depth and complexity to their characters. The film is a timeless classic that offers both humor and heart and remains relevant today.

Born Yesterday is a 1950 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.