The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) Reviews

The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)
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Kirk Douglas plays the corrupt and amoral head of a major film studio in this Hollywood drama, often regarded as one of the film's industry's most interesting glimpses at itself. Actress Gloria Lorrison (Lana Turner), director Fred Amiel (Barry Sullivan), and screenwriter James Lee Bartlow (Dick Powell) are invited to a meeting at a Hollywood sound stage at the request of producer Harry Pebbel (Walter Pidgeon). Pebbel is working with studio chief Jonathan Shields (Kirk Douglas), whose studio is in financial trouble and needs a blockbuster hit. If these three names will sign to a new project, he's convinced that there's no way he can lose. But there's a rub -- all three of these Hollywood heavyweights hate Shields's guts. He dumped Gloria for another woman, he double-crossed Fred out of a plum directing assignment, and he was responsible for the death of James Lee's wife. All three are ready to tell Pebbel to forget it, until they hear the voice of Shields, calling from Europe to discuss the project by phone. The Bad and the Beautiful won five Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Gloria Grahame. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Kirk DouglasLana Turner, (more)
Director(s):
Vincente Minnelli
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(10 member reviews)  


Member Reviews


Rich B.

This star-filled movie was interesting and engaging throughout as they wove 3 different story lines together.

Yes   |   No


Ben C.

If you enjoy movies about tinseltown then don't miss this 1952 classic. It has an all-star cast, with Kirk Douglas in the lead. I think it is the best work he ever did - the character and dialogue were perfect pitch for Mr Douglas. The movie explores the conflicts between blind ambition and raw talent.

Yes   |   No


James L.

Loved this film. Typical '50s film you have to prepare youself for but excellent just the same. Just when you think Turner and Douglas are right for each other he pulls the rug out from under her! What a dog and he knows it!!!! The costumes were rich as is the scenery. The three story lines were great. ~ Enjoy! ~Susan L.

Yes   |   No


Pamela E.

Good old movie in B&W. Good acting, good scenery. I like these as a change from the Hollywood blockbusters of today. A good plot.

Yes   |   No


Ray W.

Fairly typical 1950's Hollywood flick characterized big big current and soon-to-be-current stars. I give it 5 stars, but only for the special features on the flip side. The bio on Lana Turner was fascinating and full of stuff you won't find elsewhere. It also depicts a truism-- what we've all heard a million times--Hollywood stars' wedding to other Hollywood wannabe stars and actual stars are bound to fail or become a total disaster (one of her 8 husbands had ben raping Lana's 10 year old daughter during the entire marriage). Lana was fascinating, but hopelessly flawed.

Yes   |   No


G. L. S.

Lana Turner's scene, where she is reclining in on her side on this grecian, one-arm sofa was a classic. She is engasged in normal conversation. It's so classic, 1950's Hollywood, I had to chuckle. Still....it's a good movie.

Yes   |   No


Linda H.

Great cast. Kirk Douglas was classic. Three stories in one. Very enjoyable old movie about making movies. Highly recommend

Yes   |   No


Anthony O.

If you like films about Hollywood and its' inner workings and conceits, then this film is for you. Extremely well-acted across the board, with Kirk Douglas providing some truly startling moments, the film also offers some of that era's better character actors, Powell, Gloria Grahame,Paul Stewart working well as an ensemble. Minelli couldn't work the material in as cynical a vein as other directors, but his vision is still rather dark and biting. The bonus feature doc on Lana ,which was produced and aired by Turner network, is actually engrossing and informative. Overall, solid entertainment value.

Yes   |   No


Christopher and Edmund S.

Great film, with a minor inconsistency -- how does James Lee read about his wife's death in the newspaper and then identify her body at the scene of the accident? But that doesn't really upset the overall story, which leaves you wondering at the end, do they or don't they?

Yes   |   No


Robert D.

This was a typical 50's era film...people sort of pretending acting..I don't know what the fuss about Turner was all about..her acting was always so so..totally wrapped up in her looks and that's about it..this women was really unhappy with a happy face..the male actors came across more sincerely and they really made the picture work..3 stars!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
     
    Rich B.

    This star-filled movie was interesting and engaging throughout as they wove 3 different story lines together.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Ben C.

    If you enjoy movies about tinseltown then don't miss this 1952 classic. It has an all-star cast, with Kirk Douglas in the lead. I think it is the best work he ever did - the character and dialogue were perfect pitch for Mr Douglas. The movie explores the conflicts between blind ambition and raw talent.

    Yes   |   No

     
    James L.

    Loved this film. Typical '50s film you have to prepare youself for but excellent just the same. Just when you think Turner and Douglas are right for each other he pulls the rug out from under her! What a dog and he knows it!!!! The costumes were rich as is the scenery. The three story lines were great. ~ Enjoy! ~Susan L.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 10 Reviews