#63. thelma ritter in rear window

during hitchcock's classic, i was probably the only one bore to death by grace kelly as an obnoxious socialite who spends the majority of the picture shopping, reading harper's bazaar or lunching at the ritz. the ultimate character actress, and six-time oscar nominee (no wins), thelma ritter, on the other hand, was wry and biting as always in her portrayl of nursemaid stella, who all but tells l.b. jefferies (james stewart) to dump his gorgeous girlfriend because he is too old -- all in her trademark sardonic, deadpan delivery. it is a travesty amongst men that ritter never took home a statue for immensely prolific body of work -- in most cases personifying the "best supporting actress" role

greatest moment: watching, helpless, as lars thorwald approaches his apartment, whilst the unknowing lisa is snooping around inside

see also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBuRIBH4Qz4&feature=related