Baby Doll 1956
Directed by
Elia Kazan
Made by
Warner Bros.
Plot Summary
Archie Lee Meighan, portrayed by Karl Malden, is a middle-aged owner of a cotton gin in Tiger’s Tail County, Mississippi. He shares his life with his teenage bride, Carroll Baker, who goes by the endearing name Baby Doll, and her quirky Aunt Rose Comfort, played by Mildred Dunnock, in a run-down plantation house. The couple’s marriage remains unconsummated; they sleep in separate rooms, with Baby Doll resting in an oversized crib, symbolizing the emotional distance between them. Despite Archie’s fervent desires, Baby Doll maintains a firm boundary but has promised to surrender her virginity to him on her upcoming 20th birthday.
Tensions escalate as their financial woes worsen, particularly after the furniture company repossesses their belongings. The gin business is in shambles, with the local Syndicate Gin, managed by the ruthless Sicilian, Eli Wallach, monopolizing the cotton industry and putting Archie Lee out of work. During a celebratory gathering for the Syndicate, Archie Lee, driven by frustration, burns down his rival’s gin house, prompting Eli Wallach to seek revenge, suspecting Archie Lee had a role in the fire since he was notably absent from the festivities.
The following day, Silva Vaccaro, played by Eli Wallach, brings his cotton to Archie Lee, igniting a sequence of flirtations with Baby Doll that raises her suspicions. In an effort to shield herself, she turns to Archie Lee, but he is too preoccupied with fixing his broken gin to offer her protection. Vaccaro then utilizes his own resources to procure a replacement part, continuing to pursue Baby Doll relentlessly.
As the situation intensifies, Baby Doll believes their home is haunted, a notion that Vaccaro exploits to disarm her. Their playful interactions shift dramatically when Baby Doll finds herself trapped in the attic, unable to leave until she signs a document accusing Archie Lee of the arson. Reluctantly, she does sign, but persuades Vaccaro to stay for a nap in the crib, an act that further complicates her loyalty to Archie Lee.
When Archie Lee returns, he is mortified to find Baby Doll and Vaccaro together in their home. Jealous and enraged, he seeks to reclaim his authority but instead discovers that Vaccaro is making advances in his business. In a tense dinner atmosphere, Baby Doll and Vaccaro mock Archie Lee, while he tries to reach out to friends for help against this threat.
Feeling humiliated and desperate, Archie Lee arms himself and searches for Vaccaro, but when the police arrive in response to Baby Doll’s call, the narrative takes a dark turn. They arrest Archie Lee upon discovering the affidavit she signed, leaving Baby Doll in a state of uncertainty about her future as she reconciles her feelings for both men.
As the evening winds down, Baby Doll faces a grim reality of what tomorrow may bring, leading Aunt Rose back into their dilapidated home with a heavy heart.
Timeline
Archie and Baby Doll's Marriage
Archie Lee Meighan, a middle-aged cotton gin owner, lives with his young bride Baby Doll in a dilapidated plantation house. Their marriage is marked by emotional distance, as they sleep in separate rooms, with Baby Doll living in an oversized crib, representing the unconsummated state of their relationship.
Financial Troubles Intensify
The couple faces increasing financial difficulties, leading to the repossession of their furniture by a company. With the gin business struggling under the threat of the local syndicate, Archie becomes increasingly frustrated with their dire situation.
Archie's Desperate Act
In a moment of rage and frustration, Archie Lee burns down the rival Syndicate Gin while they celebrate a gathering. This act of sabotage does not go unnoticed, and Eli Wallach's character, Silva Vaccaro, begins to suspect Archie of wrongdoing due to his absence from the event.
Silva Vaccaro's Arrival
The day after the fire, Eli Wallach's character brings his cotton to Archie Lee's gin, coinciding with flirtations towards Baby Doll. This sparks concern for Baby Doll as she realizes the unexpected attention from Vaccaro could lead to complications.
Baby Doll's Dilemma
In an attempt to escape Vaccaro's advances, Baby Doll reaches out to Archie Lee, but he is too preoccupied with repairing his broken gin. This leaves Baby Doll vulnerable, as Vaccaro becomes increasingly persistent in his pursuit.
Haunted House Belief
As tensions mount, Baby Doll grows convinced that their house is haunted, a notion that only adds to her distress. Silva Vaccaro takes advantage of this belief, using it to manipulate her emotional state and gain her trust.
Trapped in the Attic
Baby Doll finds herself trapped in the attic during a confrontation, unable to leave until she signs an affidavit accusing Archie Lee of arson. Ultimately, she reluctantly agrees to the demand but manages to negotiate some time alone with Vaccaro.
Archie's Discovery
When Archie Lee returns home, he is appalled to find Baby Doll and Vaccaro together in a compromising situation. Overcome with jealousy and anger, Archie realizes that his rival poses a significant threat to both his life and his business.
Dinner Tension
During a tense dinner, Baby Doll and Vaccaro openly mock Archie Lee, while he desperately tries to reach out to friends for support. This atmosphere of humiliation deepens his desperation to regain control over his life and marriage.
Archie's Search for Vaccaro
Feeling humiliated and pushed to the edge, Archie Lee arms himself and sets out to confront Silva Vaccaro. However, the situation escalates when the police are called after Baby Doll's distressed plea for help.
Arrest and Uncertainty
The police arrest Archie Lee after discovering the affidavit signed by Baby Doll, leaving her in a precarious position. She is now uncertain about her feelings for both men and the consequences of her actions.
Aunt Rose's Return
As the evening draws to a close, Baby Doll confronts the grim reality of her situation. Aunt Rose returns home with a somber heart, symbolizing the heavy emotional weight the family must now bear.
Characters
Archie Lee Meighan (Karl Malden)
Archie Lee is a middle-aged cotton gin owner struggling under financial stress and emotional turmoil. His deep-seated desires for Baby Doll are met with frustration, resulting in a complex mix of desperation and jealousy. As his circumstances worsen, Archie Lee's character reveals the darker facets of ambition and control.
Baby Doll (Carroll Baker)
Baby Doll is a youthful bride caught between her loyalty to her husband and the unwanted attention from Vaccaro. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the tumultuous dynamics of her life. As she navigates her feelings and the pressures from both men, Baby Doll's character evolves, revealing layers of complexity and vulnerability.
Silva Vaccaro (Eli Wallach)
Silva Vaccaro is a cunning and assertive rival who seeks to manipulate Baby Doll and undermine Archie Lee. His relentless pursuit of Baby Doll showcases his opportunistic nature and serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama. Vaccaro's character embodies the theme of rivalry and power struggle within the plot.
Aunt Rose Comfort (Mildred Dunnock)
Aunt Rose provides a layer of support and wisdom amidst the chaos of Baby Doll's life. Her presence balances the youthful innocence of Baby Doll with a more experienced perspective on matters of the heart and home. Aunt Rose's character highlights the generational dynamics at play.
Setting
Location
Tiger's Tail County, Mississippi
Tiger's Tail County, Mississippi, serves as the backdrop for 'Baby Doll'. This rural area is known for its agricultural landscape, predominantly focusing on cotton production. The setting reflects the characters' struggles and the socio-economic challenges of their lives, notably showcased in the dilapidated plantation house where they reside.
Themes
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Emotional Distance
The theme of emotional distance permeates 'Baby Doll' as seen in the unconsummated marriage between Archie Lee and Baby Doll. The oversized crib symbolizes not just Baby Doll’s youth, but the psychological barriers that keep them apart. This emotional detachment leads to escalating tensions and conflicts, causing both characters to reevaluate their desires and relationships.
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Desperation
Desperation drives Archie Lee to reckless actions, such as burning down the rival gin house. This theme illustrates the lengths one might go to reclaim control over their life and circumstances when faced with financial ruin and marital strife. It underscores how desperation can lead to impulsive decisions that have far-reaching consequences.
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Jealousy
Jealousy is a prominent theme as Archie Lee grapples with his feelings toward Baby Doll and Vaccaro. His inability to assert his control over Baby Doll leads to feelings of humiliation and rage, culminating in a confrontation that emphasizes the destructive nature of jealousy. This theme is intricately tied to the power dynamics in their relationships.
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