Commentary
Most classic movies star young, glamorous actresses as their leading ladies. “The Model and the Marriage Broker” from 1951 is a rare exception, since it focuses on a middle-aged female character played by veteran supporting actress Thelma Ritter. Although Jeanne Crain, who plays a young model, could be considered the leading lady because she receives top billing, the story is really about Ritter’s character of the marriage broker. It’s a rare opportunity for this talented character actress to shine in a featured part. In fact, this was the only movie in which Thelma Ritter was the main character.
