Universal
Arthur Kennedy received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for playing Larry Nevins, a blinded WWII veteran struggling to adjust to his affliction.
Refusing to lapse into pathos or sentimentality, “Bright Victory,” based on the novel by Bayard Kendrick, is a powerful, realistic, and ultimately inspirational film.
In the long, arduous process, Larry must overcome his attitude towards any problem he can’t think his way out of and must also learn to temper his prejudices.
Peggy Dow plays the patient but strong woman who loves Larry, willing to be harsh and cruel to him when he’s down and feels sorry for himself.
Arthur Kennedy’s creditable performance won him the Best Actor Award from the New York Critics Circle, but not the Oscar.
This was Kennedy’s first and only lead Oscar nomination, but he was nominated multiple times in the supporting actor league.
You can spot Rock Hudson, who was a Universal contract player, in a bit role as a soldier.
Oscar Nominations: 2
Actor: Arthur Kennedy
Sound: Leslie I. Carey
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner of the Best Actor Oscar was Humphrey Bogart for “The African Queen.”
Credits
Running time: 96 Minutes.
Directed by Mark Robson
Screenplay: Robert Buckner, Baynard Kendrick
Released: July 31, 1951.
Cast
Arthur Kennedy as Larry Nevins
Peggy Dow as Judy Greene
Julie Adams as Chris Paterson
John Hudson as Corporal John Flagg
James Edwards as Joe Morgan
Nana Bryant as Mrs. Nevins
