A Hollywood classic about Hollywood, wealth, fantasy and madness told in an unflattering and brilliantly cynical tone by those who knew what they were talking about. There have been a lot of movies about making movies, but none as good as this. A failing screenwriter stays to live with a silent movie star whose glory days are more than 20 years behind her. I know the plot sounds lame, but it’s merely a pretext to explore the different themes mentioned, including the effects of fame—those who seek it all their lives but never attain it, and those who attain it and eventually lose it. Funny with an edge, the movie weaves a certain decadent spell from its first moments all the way to the amazing final scene. With wonderful writing, great black-and-white cinematography and excellent performances all round, this film is worthy of its high reputation.

Extra:

• Many of the secondary actors played themselves, such as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. Check out silent film genius Buster Keaton’s cameo as one of the “waxworks” and classic silent film director Erich von Stroheim as Max the butler.