Born Yesterday

Last Updated on: October 18th, 2023

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing movie Born Yesterday including casting, reviews, fun facts and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Born Yesterday Description

Born Yesterday (Hollywood Pictures Movie)

“Born Yesterday” is a comedy film released in 1950, directed by George Cukor. The movie is based on the play of the same name by Garson Kanin, who also wrote the screenplay. It stars Judy Holliday, Broderick Crawford, and William Holden in the lead roles.

The story follows Billie Dawn (played by Judy Holliday), a former chorus girl who is the uncultured and naive girlfriend of a corrupt and wealthy businessman, Harry Brock (played by Broderick Crawford). Harry decides to take Billie with him to Washington, D.C., where he plans to bribe politicians to further his business interests.

In Washington, Harry realizes that Billie’s lack of education and sophistication could harm his business dealings. To avoid any embarrassment, he hires a journalist named Paul Verrall (played by William Holden) to tutor Billie and refine her manners and knowledge.

As Paul begins to educate Billie, she quickly proves herself to be intelligent and insightful, despite her rough exterior. She becomes aware of the corruption and deceit around her, including Harry’s illegal activities. With Paul’s guidance, she transforms into a confident and independent woman, and her relationship with Harry starts to change.

As the story unfolds, Billie becomes disillusioned with Harry’s shady dealings and oppressive behavior. She begins to question her own worth and her role in Harry’s life. With Paul’s encouragement, she finds the strength to stand up for herself and break free from the control of her manipulative boyfriend.

“Born Yesterday” is a witty and engaging comedy that combines sharp humor with a commentary on political corruption and the importance of education and empowerment. Judy Holliday’s performance as Billie Dawn earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, and she became closely associated with the character throughout her career.

The film received critical acclaim for its clever script, well-rounded characters, and excellent performances. It was praised for its portrayal of the transformation of the lead character, Billie, from a stereotypical dumb blonde to a confident and intelligent woman.

“Born Yesterday” has remained a classic in the comedy genre, known for its social commentary and Holliday’s iconic portrayal of Billie Dawn. The film’s enduring popularity has led to multiple adaptations and revivals, both on screen and on stage.

Overall, “Born Yesterday” is a delightful and intelligent comedy that entertains while also addressing important themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the power of education. It remains a timeless and relevant film that continues to captivate audiences with its humor and heart.




Born Yesterday Cast
  • Melanie Griffith: Billie Dawn
  • John Goodman: Harry Brock
  • Don Johnson: Paul Verrall
  • Edward Herrmann: Ed Devery
  • Max Perlich: JJ
  • Michael Ensign: Phillipe
  • Benjamin C. Bradlee: Alex Duffee
  • Sally Quinn: Beatrice Duffee
  • Fred Dalton Thompson: Sen. Hedges
  • Celeste Yarnall: Mrs. Hedges
  • Rondi Reed: Victoria Penny


Born Yesterday Crew
  • Director: Luis Mandoki
  • Producers: Stratton Leopold, D. Constantine Conte, Chris Soldo and Stephen Traxler
  • Writers: Garson Kanin and Douglas McGrath



Additional Details


Born Yesterday Trailer:




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Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.