What Price Hollywood?
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| What Price Hollywood? | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Poster |
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| Directed by | George Cukor |
| Produced by | Pandro S. Berman David O. Selznick |
| Written by | Story: Adela Rogers St. Johns Screenplay: Gene Fowler Rowland Brown Jane Murfin |
| Starring | Constance Bennett Lowell Sherman |
| Music by | Max Steiner |
| Cinematography | Charles Rosher |
| Editing by | Del Andrews Jack Kitchin |
| Distributed by | RKO |
| Release date(s) | June 24, 1932 |
| Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | English |
| All Movie Guide profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
What Price Hollywood? is an American film released in 1932 and directed by George Cukor.[1]
The picture was written by Gene Fowler and Rowland Brown from a story by Adela Rogers St. Johns.
The film is a "behind the scenes" look at Hollywood and stars Constance Bennett, Lowell Sherman, and Neil Hamilton, and others.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
The film tells the story of Mary Evans (Constance Bennett). She manages to make a good impression on film director Max Carey (Lowell Sherman) and they become friends.
With Carey's help, Evans rises to film stardom as "America's Pal." Carey is happy but he keeps his distance. He's an alcoholic and is certain that his sure fall from grace will hurt Bennett's career.
On a wim Evans marries playboy Lonny Borden (Neil Hamilton), who genuinely loves her but is jealous of the demands made on her by her career.
Borden soon walks out on her, but not before Evans becomes pregnant. She turns to her mentor Carey. She does everything she can to stop his downslide, but it's too late.
In a stark sequence (utilizing slow motion and rapid-fire montage cutting), Carey commits suicide in Evans' bedroom. When his body is found, the ensuing scandal destroys Evans career.
Hoping to heal her emotional wounds, Evans flees to Paris, France with her new child. There she reunites with Borden.
[edit] Background
Although the plot of A Star Is Born (1937) resembles that of What Price Hollywood?, the 1937 picture is not officially a remake. RKO considered filing a plagiarism suit against Selznick International Pictures.
[edit] Cast
- Constance Bennett as Mary Evans
- Lowell Sherman as Maximillan 'Max' Carey
- Neil Hamilton as Lonny Borden
- Gregory Ratoff as Julius Saxe
- Brooks Benedict as Muto
- Louise Beavers as Bonita, Mary's Maid
[edit] Awards
Nominations
- Academy Awards: Oscar; Best Original Story Writing, Adela Rogers St. Johns and Jane Murfin; 1932.
