1936 – Spencer Tracy
San Francisco
Well, I guess this can still be considered a transitional phase. The category for Best Supporting Actor had just been newly created, and though I have always enjoyed Spencer Tracy’s performances, this role belonged in the Best Supporting Actor category. The story was about Blackie, played by Clark Gable with Jeanette McDonald playing Mary Blake, his love interest. Spencer Tracy played Father Mullin, their friend. I wonder why, with a newly established place for supporting parts, Tracy was nominated for Best Actor.
Anyway, Tracy, as always, did a fine job. He is one of those actors that has an honest face, a likable demeanor, a trustworthy persona. It is no wonder he was often placed in the role of a clergyman or priest. This isn’t the first film in which I’ve seen him wear the white collar. He has a calmness and a gentleness that automatically lend themselves to the profession. He is always kind and generous, compassionate and forgiving.
Many of Spencer Tracy’s contemporaries considered him to be one of the best actors of his generation. There was always an honesty about his performances that was very easy and open. And playing the role of Father Mullin was no exception. It was almost as if he wasn’t really acting at all, but just being himself in front of the camera. And it didn’t hurt that he was a pretty attractive man. He had the kind of face that was youthful and honest. He didn’t smile much, other than a gentle grin, like he was privately amused by something wholesome. But when he did smile, it seemed to mean something significant.
But again, the role was really a supporting role, so I don’t think he should have been nominated for Best Actor, as much as I enjoyed watching him on the screen. To be sure, Tracy would have his chances. In fact, over his 37 year-long career as an actor, he was nominated for 9 Best Actor awards, winning twice. But all that being said, I’ve watched My Man Godfrey, in which Mischa Auer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. I think Spencer Tracy should have been nominated in that category in Auer’s place. But that’s just me.