If you don't know who Alan Ladd is, then disregard the rest of this review.
Without Ladd, this is a fun, early 60s splashy scandalous colorful morality tale with pricey production values.
With Ladd, it's a study of old hollywood historical roman a clefs surrounding Howard Hughes and the early days of moving pictures. Ladd, a hollywood legend who the fans loved, but who critics usually dismissed, and whose star had faded to a dim glow by now, plays a role he's too old for, but works it beyond his historical acting abilities, and gives this big hit of its time the only soul it has.
This movie is doubly good if you love movies and know a bit about hollywood history.
Without Ladd, this is a fun, early 60s splashy scandalous colorful morality tale with pricey production values.
With Ladd, it's a study of old hollywood historical roman a clefs surrounding Howard Hughes and the early days of moving pictures. Ladd, a hollywood legend who the fans loved, but who critics usually dismissed, and whose star had faded to a dim glow by now, plays a role he's too old for, but works it beyond his historical acting abilities, and gives this big hit of its time the only soul it has.
This movie is doubly good if you love movies and know a bit about hollywood history.