Baby Doll
Warner Bros. | Release Date: December 29, 1956 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
83
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
Baby Doll failed because it was stigmatized as dirty. Watching it now, it seems fresh and witty, knowing but not lewd. [26 May 2006, p.C1]
90
Los Angeles TimesMark Chalon Smith
A near-classic, balanced evenly between camp and carnality. Read full review
88
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
It's largely Kazan's authentic feeling for the locale, aided by Boris Kaufman's superb black-and-white cinematography, that makes this movie so special, combined with a first-rate ensemble. Read full review
88
ObserverCharles Taylor
Baby Doll doesn't go as deep as A Streetcar Named Desire or even On the Waterfront. But it's the most seamless melding of Kazan's abilities as an actor's director and a filmmaker. [12 Jun 2006]
88
USA TodayMike Clark
A small jewel. [05 May 2006, p.4E]
80
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Although Baby Doll feels tame today, the cinematography and appropriately sleazy setting still have a sizzling effect, especially in a notorious porch-swing tryst between stars Carroll Baker and Eli Wallach. Read full review
80
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Except for moments of humor that are strictly inherent in the character of the principals, Baby Doll plays off against a sleazy, dirty, depressing Southern background. Over it hangs a feeling of decay, expertly nurtured by director Elia Kazan. Read full review
80
The New YorkerPauline Kael
Williams doesn't seem sure how to resolve the movie, but it's wonderfully entertaining.
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam Lacey
It still stands up as astonishingly sleazy entertainment. [15 Jun 2002, p.R1]
70
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
Its erotic content now seems tame indeed; but the grotesquely caricatured performances and the evocation of the baking, dusty, indolent homestead make for witty and compelling viewing. Read full review
60
The New York TimesBosley Crowther
Mr. Kazan keeps the courtship bouncing between the emotional and the ludicrous. The nonchalance of the pursuer is its most entertaining grace. Read full review
More From This Movie

83 Critic Reviews

7.3 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL