STUFF YOU GOTTA WATCH

THE STAR

(1952)
With Bette Davis, Sterling Hayden, Natalie Wood, Warner Anderson, Minor Watson, June Travis
Directed by Stuart Heisler
Black and White
Reviewed by JL

Bette Davis plays fading screen star Margaret Elliot, something of a Margo Channing a few years down the road. Margaret was once among Hollywood's top stars, but she's considered washed up at age 50. Her family and so-called friends shun her once they learn she's broke, and her steady boozing leads to a DUI and jail time. Her only true friend is Jim Johannson (Sterling Hayden), an actor who once costarred with Margaret and who's been carrying a torch for her ever since. When he promises her a happy and secure life if only she'll leave Hollywood, she seems poised to go with him. Then she is offered the chance to audition for a role that could revive her career. While no classic, THE STAR is nevertheless great show-biz soap opera, held together by Davis in an Oscar-nominated performance. - JL