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Kirk Douglas was nominated for Best Actor of 1952 for this story of movie producer Jonathan Shields, who makes and breaks 4 Hollywood associates. Ruthless and cunning and wise, he lifts himself from hardly knowing anything about movies to a triumph in the field. And then he falls. It is a wild ride for all of the participants. The first story is that of Fred Amiel (Barry Sullivan), a friend of Jonathan. They start in the movie business together and make "B" movies like "Cat Man" and "Son of Cat Man." When they finally get their big break, tragedy strikes for Fred. The second story is the biggest story--that of Georgia Lorrison (Lana Turner). The daughter of a famous Hollywood person, Georgia has all kinds of trouble getting into the business. Plus, she is an alcoholic. Jonathan meets her when she has "one line" in a movie. He grooms her for his next BIG movie in spite of everyone else's reticence about her. And then when the movie begins, she goes AWOL because she is so nervous. He still stands beside her in spite of all the movie moguls determination to have her terminated. She finally makes the movie and is a big hit. But then tragedy strikes. The third story is that of James Lee Bartlow (William Powell), a university professor in the South very happy with his lovely wife Rosemary (Gloria Graham). Jonathan brings him to Hollywood to write a screenplay for his next movie. James wants to refuse, but his wife convinces him to go because she is so infatuated with movie making. The results are tragic. So what is the point of all this? Now enraged with Jonathan, all three of these people are called together by Harry Pebbel (Walter Pidgeon), who was also ruined by Jonathan, to be absolutely begged to work with the now downtrodden Jonathan again. Will they? This movie won 5 Academy Awards. Gloria Graham won Best Supporting Actress. The others were Best Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Art/Set Direction. After viewing this movie, I wonder if Hollywood is still like this. What do you think?Read full review
Good inside look at the seamier side of Hollywood shenanigans/ internal production machinations. Kirk Douglas is sensational as usual. Supporting cast is excellent as well. Well worth seeing for anyone with budding aspirations of a career in Hollywood --or anyone else for that matter...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This falls into the class of 'They Don't Make Them Like This ANYMORE' the casting was top draw and the script was just wonderful. I am starting to buy and save movies like this for my pleasure.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Excellent story and dialogue, excellent actors. All you need to make an excellent movie !
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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