One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Rose Sayer
The missionary aboard The African Queen is the prim & proper yin to grizzled captain Charlie Allnut’s rough & tumble yang, leading (ok, bullying) him to embark on a dangerous yet noble mission. She may be a crazy, psalm-singing, skinny old maid but Rose Sayer more than makes up for that with guts, determination and good-heartedness.
The case for Jane Hudson
True this was another spinster role for Kate, but whereas her character in The African Queen was haughty and stiff, Hudson is warm and approachable. Her flaw is mistaking independence for loneliness. On holiday in Venice, Hudson is eager to experience life as she has not before, yet she is vulnerable (and she knows it). Ultimately she is able to overcome her insecurities and let herself be loved in her Summertime.
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!