Sexual tensions pervade all of Elia Kazan's complex films, and in Baby Doll they take an ironic, almost comic turn (which didn't prevent an enormous scandal on its release, when the Catholic National Legion of Decency pronounced it “salacious” and Cardinal Spellman took the trouble to declare it evil in concept and order abstinence from viewing under pain of sin). Carroll Baker is excellent in the title role of a virgin bride married to aging cotton mill owner Karl Malden, who is locked in hopeless competition with a virile rival, Eli Wallach, for Baby Doll's virginity. Georges Sadoul calls Baby Doll one of Kazan's--and Tennessee Williams'--best films, and comments that “underneath, (it) is a drama of ownership, close to Balzac and Zola, and presents a realistic portrait of the South. The natural sets, the decor, and the objects surrounding the characters play a major role. Exceptional performances by Carroll Baker and stage actor Eli Wallach.” The eminent French critic goes on to note, “After this film, ‘Baby Doll' became a well-known name for a certain style of pajamas.”