Didn't Like Bill Holden In This

Agreed.

Limited range, yes. I never realized that until I watched this. But he did have a body!

http://crewdtees.com/films-have-the-right-to-remain-silent

William Holden, not Bill

You're crazy. He was great in this. That tired, sarcastic, cynical, weary performances is legendary and matches in step so well with Gloria's Swanson's over the top, theatrical madness of Norma.

But, even Joe's prideful shell takes a crack at the end. Look at the shot towards the end when Holden turns his back to Nancy Olson and with a bitter sadness exclaims "I like (my arrangement) that way." Vocally he's confident and convincing to Betty, but his face is in a another world that changes a second before he turns back around to face her again. It gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I look at it.

I've seen a lot of Holden's movies and he underplays a lot of them. That's his style.

No actor could have done better. I like understated actors who make you forget they are acting like Morgan Freeman.

Holden was perfect. It's probably his greatest role.