Constance Bennett was at the height of her beauty in "What Price Hollywood?" an excellent 1932 film directed by George Cukor. The story is a familiar one, but in 1932, probably less so: A good-looking, vivacious waitress catches the eye of a drunken director, who helps make her a star. As happens in "A Star is Born," a few years later, he hits the skids, and she's there to help. But as we all know, no good deed goes unpunished. Lowell Sherman gives a marvelous performance as the director, and apparently, he was playing himself. His final scene is fantastic, extremely compelling. A surprisingly modern-looking, very handsome Neil Hamilton plays Bennett's husband, who later divorces her before she gives birth to their child.
Like "The Bad and the Beautiful," "What Price Hollywood?" shows some inner workings of a Hollywood studio in those years. Although there are some touches that make the movie dated - and what done in 1932 isn't - there is something about this film that also seems fresh. Perhaps it is the honesty of the performances. Besides Bennett, who is marvelous (and does her own singing), Sherman, and Hamilton, there is the multitalented Gregory Ratoff on board.
I've seen many Constance Bennett films, as she is a favorite of mine, and I would have to put this as her best.
Like "The Bad and the Beautiful," "What Price Hollywood?" shows some inner workings of a Hollywood studio in those years. Although there are some touches that make the movie dated - and what done in 1932 isn't - there is something about this film that also seems fresh. Perhaps it is the honesty of the performances. Besides Bennett, who is marvelous (and does her own singing), Sherman, and Hamilton, there is the multitalented Gregory Ratoff on board.
I've seen many Constance Bennett films, as she is a favorite of mine, and I would have to put this as her best.