Marjorie Morningstar is a 1958 melodrama film based on the 1955 novel of the same name by Herman Wouk. The film, released by Warner Bros. and directed by Irving Rapper tells a fictional coming of age story about a young Jewish girl in New York City in the 1950s. The film's trajectory traces Marjorie Morgenstern's attempts to become an artist - exemplified through her relationship with the actor and playwright Noel Airman. The film's cast includes Natalie Wood, Gene Kelly, and Claire Trevor.
The central conflict in the film revolves around the traditional models of social behavior and religious behavior expected by New York Jewish families in the 1950s, and Marjorie's desire to follow an unconventional path.
The film is notable for its inclusion of Jewish religious scenes - including a Passover meal, a synagogue sequence and Jewish icons in the Morgenstern house. These depictions were one of the first times Jewish religion was portrayed overtly in film since The Jazz Singer in 1927.
The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Song (A Very Precious Love) sung by Gene Kelly. Music by Sammy Fain and Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.
Directed by Irving Rapper
Writing Credits Everett Freeman (screenplay)
Herman Wouk ... (novel)
Cast
Gene Kelly Noel Airman
Natalie Wood Marjorie Morgenstern
Claire Trevor Rose Morgenstern
Everett Sloane Arnold Morgenstern
Martin Milner Wally Wronkin (as Marty Milner)
Carolyn Jones Marsha Zelenko
George Tobias Maxwell Greech
Martin Balsam Dr. David Harris
Jesse White Lou Michaelson
Edd Byrnes Sandy Lamm (as Edward Byrnes)
Paul Picerni Philip Berman
Alan Reed Puddles Podell
Ruta Lee Imogene Norman
Ed Wynn Uncle Samson
Release dates April 24, 1958
Running time 128 min.
Language English
