I've watched this film twice, and I still don't know quite what to think of it.
On the one hand, it has Edward G. Robinson as a co-star in a film where he's not a gangster. That's something I always look forward to. And it has Kirk Douglas in what I feel is a rather strong performance. Another plus.
But on the other hand, it has a script that seems to cluttered with subplots, which makes the whole film seem a bit hectic. It also has what must be one of the poorest performances I've ever seen -- by George Hamilton. It has Cyd Charisse in a film that proves she was a better dancer than actor, although she doesn't dance in this film (if you get my drift). Claire Trevor is also along as an over the hill wife; she is "okay", but nothing more.
The plot: Kirk Douglas plays an former big star who, due to alcoholism and a nervous breakdown, can't even get supporting roles. Edward G. Robinson plays an old film director who once was a mentor to Douglas, and who now needs him in Italy to help him on the technical end of film-making. George Hamilton plays a very problematic young actor. Robinson and his wife (Trevor) have a marriage which is on the rocks. Douglas falls in love with the same young actress whom Hamilton loves. It looks as if an Italian company will grab away the film due to going overtime when Robinson has a heart attack. They're all going to live happily ever after -- even the heart attack victim. Or will they? There's a great scene where Cyd Charisse gets put in her place, but shortly after that the very ending of the film is just too "quick" to be at all satisfying.
I'm going to give this film an "average" grade, although I still have reservations.
On the one hand, it has Edward G. Robinson as a co-star in a film where he's not a gangster. That's something I always look forward to. And it has Kirk Douglas in what I feel is a rather strong performance. Another plus.
But on the other hand, it has a script that seems to cluttered with subplots, which makes the whole film seem a bit hectic. It also has what must be one of the poorest performances I've ever seen -- by George Hamilton. It has Cyd Charisse in a film that proves she was a better dancer than actor, although she doesn't dance in this film (if you get my drift). Claire Trevor is also along as an over the hill wife; she is "okay", but nothing more.
The plot: Kirk Douglas plays an former big star who, due to alcoholism and a nervous breakdown, can't even get supporting roles. Edward G. Robinson plays an old film director who once was a mentor to Douglas, and who now needs him in Italy to help him on the technical end of film-making. George Hamilton plays a very problematic young actor. Robinson and his wife (Trevor) have a marriage which is on the rocks. Douglas falls in love with the same young actress whom Hamilton loves. It looks as if an Italian company will grab away the film due to going overtime when Robinson has a heart attack. They're all going to live happily ever after -- even the heart attack victim. Or will they? There's a great scene where Cyd Charisse gets put in her place, but shortly after that the very ending of the film is just too "quick" to be at all satisfying.
I'm going to give this film an "average" grade, although I still have reservations.