Any one with any knowledge about film, knows that some of the
best films of all time are those that existed before film stock
went color. The classic era, we often refer to this as, before
Technicolor. One of the greatest films of all time, by superb
pulp fiction and films noir writer Billy Wilder, emerged with his
collaboration with his partner Charles Brackett, in the creation
of the outstanding film Sunset Boulevard that is as strong today
as it was 59 years ago. As award season is over, and the theatres
are too full again of schlocky material, we reflect back here to
the legendary catalog of Paramount, and pay tribute to the
masterpiece that will forever stand the test of time.
Sunset Boulevard (1950) Paramount
The body of a Hollywood scriptwriter, Joe Gilles is discovered in
the swimming pool of a home inhabited by silent film star, Norma
Desmond. Through flashback and voiceover, Joe explains what
happened, starting with the day he found himself in Norma’s
driveway trying to escape from the finance company. As he needs
money so desperately, he agrees to work on a script for Norma
based on a story she has written, that she is convinced will
herald her return to the silver screen.
Answering a summons from studio legend Cecil B. Demille, Norma is
pushed to the edge of madness, when she learns that the studio
only wants to rent her antique car. The situation is further
aggravated when Joe falls in love with a young story analyst,
and, when he tries to leave, Normal goes completely insane and
shoots him.
High tension drama of classic Hollywood, Gloria Swanson is superb
as the actress who continues to live in the glory of her past,
and William Holden turns in another of his outstanding
performances.
CAST
William Holden
………..…………... Joe
Gillis
Gloria Swanson ………...... Norma Desmond
Erich von Stroheim ….….. Max von Mayerling
Nancy Olson ............................. Betty Schaefer
Cecil B. DeMille
………….…..............
Himself
Produced by…………….......Charles
Brackett
Directed
by……………….…….….Billy
Wilder
Written
by………………….…Charles
Bracket
Billy Wilder
D.M. Marshman
© 1950, © 2009, Paramount. © 2009, The Hollywood
Sentinel® With kind courtesy from Paramount.