Told in flashback form, the film traces the rise and fall of a tough, ambitious Hollywood producer, Jonathan Shields, as seen through the eyes of various acquaintances, including a writer, James Lee Bartlow; a star, Georgia Lorrison; and a director, Fred Amiel. He is a hard-driving, ambitious man who ruthlessly uses everyone on the way to becoming one of Hollywood's top movie makers.
Direction
Minnelli's shadows whisper what dialogue won't.
Acting
Kirk Douglas weaponizes charm; Lana Turner breaks your heart.
Cinematography
Black-and-white so lush it feels like a threat.
Director
Vincente Minnelli
Lana Turner
Georgia Lorrison
Kirk Douglas
Jonathan Shields
Walter Pidgeon
Harry Pebbel
Dick Powell
James Lee Bartlow
Barry Sullivan
Fred Amiel
Gloria Grahame
Rosemary Bartlow
Leo G. Carroll
Henry Whitfield
Gilbert Roland
Victor "Gaucho" Ribera
Paul Stewart
Syd Murphy
Vanessa Brown
Kay Amiel
Elaine Stewart
Lila
Sammy White
Gus
Ivan Triesault
Von Ellstein
Jay Adler
Mr. Z (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
US
