Born Yesterday: A Dive into Naiveté, Remakes, and Hollywood Lore
Heard the phrase "born yesterday"? It suggests someone naive or deceivable. The phrase gained traction from a Broadway play and two films known as "Born Yesterday." Let’s explore these cinematic tales, shall we?
From Stage to Screen: The Original "Born Yesterday" (1950)
The 1950 film "Born Yesterday" is not just a movie. Directed by George Cukor, he was often called a "woman's director." Cukor focused on revealing powerful performances. He succeeded with Judy Holliday in her role.
Holliday played Billie Dawn, a blonde mistress, with depth. Her performance earned her the Best Actress Oscar. This single win solidified the film’s legacy. Before it came to Hollywood, Judy was Billie on Broadway with Paul Douglas as Harry Brock and Gary Merrill as Paul Verrall. Their portrayals brought Garson Kanin's play alive.
The story blends comedy with social commentary. Billie Dawn arrives in Washington D.C. with millionaire Harry Brock. In an effort to appear respectable, Harry hires journalist Paul Verrall. This evokes the classic Pygmalion trope, similar to "Pygmalion" (1938) and influencing "Educating Rita" (1983). Yet "Born Yesterday" introduces its unique twist amid political antics in the capital. Cukor shot in actual Washington D.C., adding authenticity to the production.
Remaking a Classic: "Born Yesterday" (1993)
Fast forward to 1993, Hollywood revisited "Born Yesterday." Remakes can be tricky. This film sparkled due to its star power: Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Griffith and Johnson were a real-life couple then, which reflected on-screen chemistry. It led to genuinely entertaining romantic moments.
Melanie Griffith shines as Billie Dawn. Don Johnson adds his charismatic flair. John Goodman completes the cast with a strong performance. Although the 1993 remake lacked Oscar accolades, it found its identity as a fun update.
"Born Yesterday": More Than Just a Movie Title
What does "born yesterday" mean? It's an idiom questioning someone's worldly wisdom. Essentially, it suggests someone is naive or gullible. It gained traction around the mid-19th century through Kanin's play. The phrase is common, used for characters in stories or people we encounter daily. There's also the "born sexy yesterday" term. It describes female characters who seem innocent yet possess surprising intelligence. This trope touches upon perceptions of naiveté and sexuality in complex ways.
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson: A Hollywood Saga
The 1993 remake connects deeply with Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Their chemistry arose from their off-screen history. Their romance began when Griffith was 14 and Johnson was 22. They briefly married in 1976, later remarrying in 1989. Their story became its own Hollywood saga.
Griffith's career features highs and lows, shaped by her struggles with addiction. These battles, known publicly, affected her career. Studios hesitated casting her in leading roles afterward. However, she has openly discussed her recovery journey, taking acting roles when feasible. Her personal life is as intriguing as her career path. She has been married four times, twice to Johnson. She has three children, each from different marriages. Griffith faced health challenges too. Diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009, it highlights struggles faced by anyone, famous or not.
Idioms Galore: "Born Yesterday" and its Linguistic Kin
"Born yesterday" is just one idiom among many impactful expressions. Consider "cat got your tongue?" It's a phrase capturing those moments when words fail you completely. Then there’s "hold your horses," urging patience and a slower pace. Lastly, "going bananas" fits those moments of extreme excitement or anger when you're ready to erupt.
A Quick Detour to "Yesterday" (2019): Not "Born Yesterday," But Still About Yesterday
Now, let’s briefly explore another film titled "Yesterday" (2019). It features a different premise but fun connections to explore. In this story, The Beatles vanish from memory except for one struggling musician who finds their songs.
The protagonist Jack admits to plagiarizing The Beatles' music and eventually ends up with his old friend Ellie. In the dramatic conclusion, Jack chooses honesty over celebrity by releasing their music for free. There’s a surreal cameo from an older John Lennon living peacefully, untouched by history's tragedies. Julian Lennon finds this portrayal amusing yet enjoys the film overall. The Beatles' estate even approved the movie—a significant feat.
Oscar Trivia: A Touch of Gold
Speaking of Oscars, did you know three films share the record for the most Academy Award wins? "Ben-Hur" (1959), "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003), and "Titanic" (1997) each won 11 Oscars. Just a fun movie trivia nugget to end on!
There you have it. From the naive charm of "Born Yesterday" to the vanished Beatles in "Yesterday," films offer stories and idioms galore. Whether you prefer the wit of the classic 1950 version or the rom-com flair of the 1993 remake, "Born Yesterday" showcases enduring power in storytelling and phrases. Next time someone appears clueless, you might say they were "born yesterday," with a wink and perhaps suggesting a good movie.
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