Golden Boy
US (1939): Romance/Drama
In his debut performance, William Holden scores as a violin prodigy who makes some extra dough on the side as a prizefighter. Not likely, but the performances make it work, particularly Barbara Stanwyck's as a corrupting influence. Tragic consequences result when she lures the golden boy from practicing his scales. Based on Clifford Odets' 1937 play.
When Holden, a young actor making his debut opposite Stanwyck, was about to be fired by Columbia, Stanwyck fought for him. Holden publicly credited her with launching his career and often wished that she would be given an Oscar®. He made a habit of sending her flowers every year on September 5, the anniversary of the film's premiere. And when Stanwyck finally did receive her Academy Award at the cemonies in 1982, only months after Holden's death, she offered a simple, heartfelt gesture to Holden. She wrapped up her acceptance speech with: "A few years ago, I stood on this stage with William Holden as a presenter. I loved him very much and I miss him. He always wished that I would get an Oscar." Raising the statuette as her eyes filled with tears, Stanwyck concluded, "And so tonight, my golden boy, you've got your wish." It was one of the classiest, most affecting moments in Academy Awards®-show history.
Rouben Mamoulian gets directing credit for Golden Boy, with a supporting cast that includes Adolphe Menjou, Lee J. Cobb and Sam Levene. (amctv.com)
1 nomination
· Music Scoring Awards (Original Score) 1939: Victor Young