Gloria Swanson and the Curse of Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard 1950)

#classicmovies #classichollywood #oldmovies In 1983, Gloria Swanson passed away leaving behind a legacy as one of the biggest and most glamorous stars of the silent movie era. With nearly 70 films and short subjects under her belt, she set the fashion trends and hair styles for women everywhere, and was named the most fashionable woman in the world. But it was her role as Norma Desmond in the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard that cemented her status as a Hollywood icon.
Although Gloria Swanson was able to weather the shift from silent to talking pictures, her film career was dead by the mid-1930s. However, her unforgettable performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard brought her back into the spotlight.
But while Gloria Swanson's performance of Norma Desmond is iconic, it also had an effect of altering the public's perception of her life and career. In essence, Gloria Swanson and Norma Desmond became one person in the eyes of audiences, with many confusing the delusional, stuck-in-the-past Norma Desmond with the real-life Gloria Swanson.
In reality, Swanson was an astute businesswoman who founded her own production company and was able to negotiate for herself creative control over her projects.
You can watch some of Gloria Swanson's classic silents here
🍿MALE AND FEMALE 1919 (directed by C. B. Demille)
archive.org/details/MaleAndFe...
🍿MANHANDLED 1924 (directed by Allan Dwan)
archive.org/details/silent-ma...
🍿ZAZA 1923 (directed by Allan Dwan)
• Zaza (Dwan, 1923) - 1080p
🍿PERFECT UNDERSTANDING (this one is kind of a mess story wise but it co stars a young Laurence Olivier who is rather rakish and charming. Plus, Gloria sings! Since she wanted to be a singer more than an actress it's treat to watch!)
• Perfect Understanding ...
🎙️Also, heres the full 1957 Mike Wallace interviews. He absolutely boorish in his manner and questioning but Gloria shows how much of a class act she is.
• Video
🎙️And her interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20 from 1980
• Gloria Swanson, Barbar...
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[@CinemaCities1978]

I realize there may be some confusion when I say Gloria left acting and never looked back. I meant she stopped chasing leading roles. She did continue to make sporadic guest appearances on TV shows and was a frequent talk show guest. She also continued to work on the stage and she appeared in the disaster flick AIRPORT 1975. Also, if you're curious, I've linked some of Gloria's silent films and her interviews in the video description.

[@nickbovi]

She wasn't good with finance or choice of men, but she did have a hell of a career and I think that had she done more movies between when the talkies started and Sunset Blvd, she probably wouldn't have had Norma's curse so prominently associated with her.

[@CinemaCities1978]

@@nickbovi I think at a certain point it wasn’t up to her if her career continued or not. She could have kept acting but may have been relegated to B pictures and poverty row studios. She walked away instead.

[@nickbovi]

@@CinemaCities1978 Its kind of weird considering she was such a superstar in silent era, that she wasn't able to land the A list roles in the 30s and 40s.

[@CinemaCities1978]

@@nickbovi yeah, that change from silent to sound films really stopped a lot of big stars right in their tracks. Some of them like Gloria pushed on for a few years but then eventually called it quits.

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

Gloria Swanson is the epitome of what we believe to be glamorous movie stars. She’s still absolutely described as a “ silent movie star “, but did many other things that kept her in the public’s eye. ( Tv show, newspaper column, dress designer, cosmetics company etc.) The silent film stars were truly the first superstar idols of millions. Making $7,000 per week in the ‘20s and living like kings and queens elevated these stars to immortal status. In short, how could anybody ever top that? The only place to go once you’re in the stratosphere is( unfortunately ) - downward.

[@stevenwymor1398]

I think the best line from Sunset Boulevard has got to be, “I am still big, it’s the pictures that got small.” She should have won an Oscar for that role.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I agree. She should've won that year.

[@bookmouse2719]

@@CinemaCities1978 She was up against Olivia de Havilland and All The Kings Men won. The Heiress was alright, but Sunset Blvd was a better film and I never did see Kings Men.

[@NDH]

Truly magnificent

[@sauldanson7630]

There is no ‘still’ in that line 🤦‍♂️

[@matthewpowers3746]

My favorite is from the proleptic intro: "the poor dope, he always wanted a pool".

[@troybirch]

I was lucky enough to have lunch with Gloria Swanson in 1979. She was passionate about everything. Most of all she was adamant that we were ruining our health by consuming too much sugar and needed to be aware that we needed to eat more natural healthy foods. Believe it or not very, very few people agreed and this played into the Norma Desmond “crazy” label. Time has shown she was right. I hope that somehow she knows that the world adapt her way of thinking. She’s have loved it!

[@CinemaCities1978]

I saw an interview with her that was all about the dangers of sugar consumption. She was very passionate and took on the doctors who were also on the panel.

[@Charlottemadeleinec]

Dang! That’s really cool and she was not wrong.

[@sarahalbers5555]

She was also a vegetarian.

[@miapdx503]

Yes, she turned me onto the book, Sugar Blues. It's a must read...

[@llandrin9205]

The most heartbreaking scene in Sunset Boulevard was when she went to the studio because they asked her to come in. She was thinking it was going to be her come back film only to learn they just wanted to use her car.

[@jamesmiller4184]

C.B. was good to her though. He cared.

[@MothGirl007]

What makes that scene so evocative is that she and Cecil B. DeMille had a rich history in real life from the days of silent film, when she was a huge star and he was her director in some of those films. That just makes the scene even more great.

[@sarahalbers5555]

It was all about the car. This scene was brutal, but C.B. was wonderful.

[@DanielOrme]

One actor I always think of as being cursed by his defining performance is Anthony Perkins in Psycho. The role broke the public of thinking of him as the nice boy characters he'd played before then, but he was never free of it afterwards.

[@mrkurtlovesmovies]

That kind of thing is always a shame. Linda Fiorentino's career went south soon after playing a cunning seductress in THE LAST SEDUCTION (1994). Glenn Close said she was never asked to be 'sexy' again after FATAL ATTRACTION (1987). I find it a tough call, how much to empathize with actors in that position when thousands of their peers struggle just to find work, let alone define a role.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Yes! I saw Psycho before I ever saw any other Anthony Perkins film and then watched movies like Tall Story and Friendly Persuasion 🤯

[@sarahewson3607]

I agree! I only recently learned that he desperately wanted to play Tony in the movie version of West Side Story!! Omg I would have loved to see him in that role ☹️

[@CinemaCities1978]

@@sarahewson3607 He would've made a spectacular Tony!

[@pooddescrewch8718]

Bela Lugosi , too . He was far more talented than his Dracula portrayal let on .

[@bunkyman8097]

Sunset Boulevard is my favorite movie of all time. That house, the costumes and Gloria Swanson, OMG, it doesn't get better!

[@CinemaCities1978]

That house is amazing. All the interiors were built on a soundstage and production designer Hans Drier really created a beautifully outdated tomb of a home.

[@bunkyman8097]

Thanks for sharing. I think the staircase and banister are my favorite!

[@sunnysaturday1111]

The furniture, architecture! Incredible!

[@sunnysaturday1111]

@@CinemaCities1978 they did the beginning shot outside the actual Mansion, where she says, " You there!". 😄 The swimming pool was built for the pool scenes. That photo of him face down is actually a mirrored image of him. I've read a ton of books on the film and her life. She made millions on silent films and was the most famous actress in the world, next to Pickford. She also had a slew of love affairs. Her jewel collection was incredible!!! The only survivor from her family is a daughter, Ms. Amon. She lives in France. The other daughter said that her mom was like Norma Desmond in real life and throughout the filming of the movie, Gloria never lost character and portrayed her 24/7 until the movie was over.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

That was a wild movie! I love it, I don't know how many times I'd seen it.

[@timsmith5133]

My grandparents said that Gloria Swanson was definitely NOT Norma Desmond but Swanson's portrayal of Desmond was a masterpiece! They felt anyone who thought Swanson was Desmond was silly or stupid or both.- Zoomer

[@CinemaCities1978]

It 's something that just happens sometimes, people get so caught up in a performance that they identify the performer with the role.

[@donnafromnyc]

They had to age her up for Norma Desmond!

[@talmadge1926]

It is said Norma Desmond was a combination of Norma Talmadge, Mae Murray (she really WAS delusional) Clara Bow and Mary Pickford (who like Norma ) lived in her mansion of memories as a recluse.

[@donnafromnyc]

@@talmadge1926 Mary was brilliant but also became very lonely and alcoholic but it was well covered up. She even rejected her best friend, screenwriter Frances Marion. Clara Bow was a genuine talent and beauty who only at the end got to make the film she wanted (Call Her Savage) but the studios painted her as a Roaring '20s Relic. Would her life have been different if she and Gilbert Roland had married as they almost did when they were stars at 19? Their friendship never ended, happily.

[@CinemaCities1978]

@@talmadge1926 I think she was inspired by all of them and probably some bits and pieces of others. The name Norma Desmond was a combo of Norma Talmadge and William Desmond Taylor.

[@leanneblake4248]

Gloria Swanson , the whole Production and Cast of "Sunset Boulevard" is Absolutely Fantastic. One of my Top 10 Films. Thank you

[@CinemaCities1978]

You're right, definitely a 10/10 film on every level.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Top 10 I'll go with, yes. My #1 of all time is Psycho, though.

[@sarahalbers5555]

William Holden, Eric Von Stroheim, etc. Fabulous!

[@ladyredl3210]

I absolutely love this film, it’s incredibly dark, and critiques Hollywood as it was. Swanson’s performance was amazing.

[@poetcomic1]

She was always quick to mix with the hip, new, interesting crowds and had a wide range of interests that were NOT about herself and was a health food fan decades before others. She was a daring and rather advanced fashion icon well into old age..

[@CinemaCities1978]

I remember seeing an interview with her on Dick Cavett where she came out modeling a spectacular off the shoulder dress with a gorgeous black wrap.

[@LambentOrt]

The movie is amazing, and her performance is transcendent. It's one of the best Hollywood movies ever made.

[@angelcitygirl]

She was a true movie star. She was amazing. 🌟🌟

[@CinemaCities1978]

A star on and off screen. She was amazing!

[@Moosetta]

Let's just stop a moment and say Gloria Swanson was utterly stunning.

[@rosemaryfranzese317]

It’s amazing to think that if Mae West had not been insulted by being offered the role of Norma Desmond, we would have miss a treat. Swanson was not first choice for the part by when she accepted it, Billy Wilder quickly realised he’d hit the jackpot. Gloria was unlucky to be up against Bette Davies in All about Eve for the best actress Oscar in 1951. The two great titans cancelled each other out and neither won. Gloria was not Norma but she knew former stars who were, the film meant a great deal to her. To me, the most shocking thing was that Gloria was about 51 when she made the film and Norma was the same age, it’s horrifyingly to think that women of that age were considered ancient. Of course, even today there are few good roles for middle aged women and just a few actresses seem to get them all

[@stuartwray6175]

Who's "Miss-a-treat"? Lol - 'missed'

[@jamesmiller4184]

If Mae had gotten the role, then The Amazing Criswell surely would have been one of those "Wax Works" members. They were buds, and he would have been perfect there. "See you at Bordner's"

[@meghanmisaliar]

Hollywood has always been known for young beautiful stars. And plenty of women over 50 get work in Hollywood.

[@arturojimenez7087]

@@meghanmisaliar Plenty? No.

[@meghanmisaliar]

@@arturojimenez7087 yes. Susan Sarandon, Angela Basset Meryl Streep, etc etc

[@jimnewl]

I had never seen the movie before but watched it a week ago on a whim and was completely won over by Swanson. From the bits and pieces I'd seen, I was expecting her character to be an over-the-top parody, but somehow she managed to walk that tightrope waaay up there near the clouds without slipping. Truly one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. Unforgettable.

[@miapdx503]

The role of her husband/director/turned servant was breathtaking. He was perfect. Still adoring her while being codependent with her sickness, feeding it, nurturing her madness. Just, wow.

[@kurtschlarb9762]

Documentaries like this are rare. And in this medium, this was well-done.

[@jamesmiller4184]

IF I might 'second' that?

[@LawrenceMartinez-fb1tt]

In Gloria Swanson ‘s autobiography she wrote that at the height of her fame during silent pictures a huge crowd of fans descended on her home and tried to break down an enormous iron gate to get to the star that they worshipped and instead of feeling happy about her fame she said that she felt sad because the only way her fame could go now was down hill because she had reached the top. I saw the uncompleted film Queen Kelly (there is a clip of it in Sunset Blvd.) at the Castro Theatre and the story was ended with still shots that had been done for the film and an added written ending.

[@kariharris7006]

I thought it funny when Gloria Swanson appeared with Carol Burnett, honoring Carol's impression of Swanson. It was a really amazing moment. I never knew Swanson had such an amazing personality until I saw that moment.

[@SlimNX211]

It was a fascinating film. Not only from the view of the retired recluse actress waiting for the right moment to make her come back, but also from a down on his luck writer, as well as his new found contact at Paramount pictures , the script reader , Betty. Who she herself, gave up on the dream of acting even after surgery to fix her nose. Plus the butler , her ex husband and director , all kind of enabling each other along the way. And in the end the only way to brake the triangle was for him to leave. And like a true narcissistic person she had to have him leave .... her way! Great commentary and writing on your part! Subscribed !

[@CinemaCities1978]

While making this video, I ended up rewatching the film a a couple of times and with each viewing I was blown away by the genius of its construction, acting and it's VERY VERY dark humor. It's hilarious.

[@KimtheElder]

The movie definitely stands the test of time. It really is a masterpiece that I've watched periodically over the decades and enjoy and appreciate every time.

[@m.c.master4622]

@@CinemaCities1978, kudos to Billy Wilder.

[@stuartwray6175]

. Who herself.... .... to 'break' the triangle

[@diego-search]

I remember her on an episode of, "The Beverly Hillbillies", where in the Clampett family's home in the backwoods Virginia, her films are the most current, (distribution is slow up in them thar hills.) and the Clampetts take her back there, that wows the local folks to meet their favorite star, and Gloria is warmly gratified in return to receive their appreciation.

[@CinemaCities1978]

The KZbin algorithm served me a video this morning of her on MY THREE SONS where she played a young at heart vaudeville star. One of the things I admire about her is she never took her celebrity very seriously. She liked being an actress but knew stardom was fickle. She really was able to enjoy her post Star life bc she had that perspective.

[@Scarlett59319]

That’s so cool! I watched a lot of the Beverly hillbillies growing up but don’t remember that episode!

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

​@@Scarlett59319 It was funny! It was actually a rather sly commentary on how she was perceived, post "Sunset Boulevard."

[@Brian-uy2tj]

Gloria Swanson was also very bright and interested in the world. In the 70's she wrote an excellent book about sugar, its effects on the metabolism and its addictive qualities. The book was called "The Sugar Blues" It was well written and you could read it today and it would be just as relevant now as it was then.

[@CinemaCities1978]

She was really remarkable. I've seen lots of videos of her talking about healthy eating and her concern about the chemicals in food, and everything she says applies today, even more so.

[@sunnysaturday1111]

She did not write it. Her husband Will Bill Dufty wrote it. She went on tour with him in the 70's to promote it. The book was indeed a huge success and very riveting.

[@jamesmiller4184]

Sounds like 'a must' Brian. ' Will search for one. Thanks for the tip.

[@michaelgarel4279]

I had the benefit of seeing a book as a teenager in the mid 1970's. It was Gloria, Dietrich, Garbo, and Norma Shearer. It was a very thick book of photos, so I saw and read excerpts about Ms. Swanson before actually watching Sunset Boulevard. I'm glad I did, she deserved a lot better than being called a has-been silent star. She deserved the Oscar too...

[@CinemaCities1978]

I agree. She did deserve to win the oscar that year.

[@TheSaltydog07]

It's hard for some people to separate the image from the actor. She was always fabulous.

[@CinemaCities1978]

yes, she was a true star until the end.

[@TheSaltydog07]

@@CinemaCities1978 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@jamesmiller4184]

One of the true Divas of the Screen, she was.

[@jeanhansel5805]

I read Gloria Swanson's autobiography. She was asked why she wrote it, and she replied she thought she should write it before someone else did. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood, live theater, with some intrigue and nine marriages thrown in for good measure. The book is very well written, and was a joy to read.

[@alisturkericmacnanty159]

It's such a shame no one cashed in on her talent with more significant roles after "Sunset Boulevard." She had the talent of a Meryl Streep.

[@lipstickprincess1]

She was absolutely fabulous ♥️

[@maryeheinly8256]

I wish I could see more of Gloria Swanson!! She seemed to be an excellent actress! Like Norma sheers!

[@CinemaCities1978]

If you want to see more Gloria, check the video description you will find links to some her other films and interviews.

[@maryeheinly8256]

@@CinemaCities1978 Gloria swanson

[@maryeheinly8256]

@@CinemaCities1978 Thank You 🙏

[@daryljay7057]

What a FABULOUS movie! I watched this again just the other night. Swanson as Norma Desmond is one of THE greatest performances of all time, in no small part due to the fantastic lines Wilder gave her to deliver! Too many great lines to count, this screenplay was a master class in screenwriting! I didn't know a lot about Swanson, (other than she was involved with that old horn dog, Joe Kennedy), but it was interesting to learn she was into health & fitness. She was a beauty in her younger days, but still a very handsome woman at fifty. One of the GREATEST movies & performances of all time!

[@jamesmiller4184]

"Talk! Talk! Talk! -- in my day we had F-A-C-E-S !!"

[@richardmcleod1930]

There are many Actors whose only wish is to have had the long and successful career Gloria Swanson performed over a long lifetime, and to have starred in one of Hollywood's successful films, "Sunset Boulevard". And to be known as starring successfully in both silent and talking films is an achievement granted to only a few Actors.

[@sarahewson3607]

Thank you for this great homage to an amazing actress!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JDG81-r3b]

I love that Joan Crawford admired her so much and they were very good friends, their whole adult life if I'm not mistaken. You can definitely see her influence on Crawford as an actress and a star.

[@jamesmiller4184]

I am deeelighted to know that, James. Crawford KNEW her divas alright, and they were very few.

[@williamsnyder5616]

Very GOOD mini-documentary!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-CatherineDodd]

The spellbinding performance of the great Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard”- The master class of acting!

[@symon3304]

Swanson absolutely smashed the role. She deserved the Oscar

[@sherirobinson6867]

Personally, I feel Sunset Boulevard is fascinating movie. I have a copy of it on DVD and pull it out now and then. One of my all time favorite's Btw, good commentary you earned a new subscriber🎉

[@normanlefkowitz5197]

Thanks for the closeup, we are always ready for her .

[@bobbysands6923]

I saw this movie for the first time relatively later in life--my 40s. I saw if after years of seeing a lot of other movies, but always missed this one. When I saw it, I was totally blown away by this woman. She could have been the great film actress ever if there was a more open-minded public...and studios. Great job with this documentary, and thank you for paying tribute to her.

[@JohnInTheShelter]

Someone (maybe Billy Wilder) said that Swanson was nothing like the character. When he visited her at home, he noticed tons of photos around, but they were of her grandkids, and she fawned over them, pointing them out to the visitor (again, I THINK it was Wilder). The exact opposite of the character who filled her home with pictures of herself. A fine look at the woman who IMHO deserved the Best Actress Oscar that year, even over Bette Davis.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I agree. I think she deserved the oscar as well.

[@hcombs0104]

I do, too. And I love Judy Holliday who did win. But it should have gone to Gloria.

[@brerkris]

I really enjoyed this because I love Sunset Boulevard, and I love hearing about classic actresses.

[@tedrobinson372]

This is an excellent overview. I had only wished you had included Norma's reply to her once being big in pictures.

[@collinmichaelkahn3918]

Her interview on Cavett where the other guest is Janis Joplin is nothing short of one of the strangest collisions of old meeting new (guessing you watched it in your prep for this video as you used clips from it, where she’s wearing the silver/platinum flapper bob). When she calls Janis (who is obviously…ahem…”medicated”) a “silver-tongued devil”! Never gets old. Would give anything to have unlimited access to his archives. Man. Great job by the way. Hope your channel continues to grow as we rarely see a black perspective of the Golden Age of Hollywood (and understandably as, despite the heavyweight talents of Hattie McDaniel, Theresa Harris, Louise Beavers, Ethel Waters and so many others, the subservient roles can be so painful to modern eyes, to say nothing of the racism) and I for one am here for and celebrate this. You have a great voice for narration. Cheers!

[@darryl3422]

It's a wondwrful performance she should have gotten an Academy Award

[@RedcoatsReturn]

One of my favorite movies from the 1950s, a brilliant cast and a gripping story too 😊 Thank you for a very astute analysis and documentary…of…a legendary actress 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you for watching!

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

You absolutely must read Anne Helen Petersen’s series on “La Swanson”; Gloria Swanson was a true pioneer in so many ways - her fashion line was arguably the first inclusive luxury fashion brand! She would go to the couture shows in Paris, get the Dior, Chanel, Balmain and Balenciaga for herself, then have the patterns recut in larger sizes to be marketed towards older and plus-sized customers in luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s. She was vegetarian, anti-smoking and promoted yoga and exercise way back in the 1950s! She lived happily into a very old age, a rich and celebrated icon of cinema who lived totally on her own terms - an extremely rare outcome for silent stars both male and female.

[@mirkomustapic3883]

One of my favorite movies.Perfect acting and screenplay.Masterpiece.The same year it was another masterpiece All about Eve.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Margo Channing and Norma Desmond - two iconic roles that remain legendary decades later.

[@mirkomustapic3883]

@@CinemaCities1978 I agree.Some of them should win Oscar that year.

[@ellenthorne8222]

She played herself in Airport: The Concord, she wasn't Norma Desmond just a truly remarkable actress.

[@michaelmiller6579]

She played herself in Airport 1975, not The Concord.

[@endangeredarchitecture]

The essential tragedy of the film is the way Hollywood abandons its female stars. It is still happening. I could list all of the 1990s leading ladies who are no longer getting leading roles; the likes of Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Meg Ryan, Melanie Griffith, Geena Davis, to name just a few.

[@CatSharkie]

Fascinating: thanks so much for giving this actor her due!!

[@marstondavis]

The main reason people think Gloria Swanson was Norma Desmond was because she was such a great actor. I don't think another actor could have even come close to her performance. The public will be loving her performance for another 100 years, and beyond. This is a great movie. Every character is fleshed out and the art direction is superb. You can almost smell the 'old' of her dying mansion. I watch it on DVD at least twice a year.

[@jamesmiller4184]

Ditto all that same here, M.D., also for 3rd Man and Citizen Kane.

[@mrkurtlovesmovies]

Love your stylistic choices in this one. Very enjoyable overall, too (as always). You really drove home your point about character identification when you mentioned Gregory Peck in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962). I must confess, I adore the man because of that film and GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT (1947). The book Close-Up On 'Sunset Boulevard' by Sam Staggs is a great read. Staggs makes the case that D.M. Marshman Jr.'s role in crafting the SB screenplay is one of Old Hollywood's greatest secrets. Wilder brought him on when he and Charles Brackett were 'stuck,' fumbling around with broad ideas and good scenes but not much in terms of structure. A dumbfounding anecdote from the book reveals that Mae West was among the old greats considered for the role of Norma. Wyler felt at 57 yrs old West was stuck in the bombshell persona of her heyday. He felt West would have given their best lines an unwanted sexual subtext, lines like the one about pictures getting 'smaller.' Wyler didn't want the picture's character-rich lines to come off like dirty jokes.

[@CinemaCities1978]

When I read about D.M. Marshman's contributions to the screenplay, I was shocked that his name is never mentioned when the writers of "Sunset Boulevard" are discussed. The man won an Oscar along with Brackett and Wilder, and his contribution was not minor. I also read about Mae West, who thought she was too young to play Norma. Mary Pickford was so disgusted by the synopsis that Brackett and Wilder had to apologize to her. I wonder if the ones who said no to the role ever regretted it.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

Peeps of a certain generation WILL NEVER get Gloria and Norma mixed up. Most people will not. Impossible to get them mixed up.

[@GrandOldMovies]

Great video on this great star! Gloria Swanson was an intelligent, vibrant, active woman, with a sense of humor--as far from Norma Desmond as you can get. And I can see by the silent film and later clips in your video, she was also extraordinarily beautiful and remained so. Thanks!

[@classiclife7204]

Subbed for intelligent commentary about cinematic history prior to 1970, let alone 2000. Anyway, the great irony of this movie is that the monstrous power of Silent Era fame didn't destroy Swanson, or drive her mad. The same cannot be said of most of her peers. Those men she mentioned in that clip - Fairbanks, Gilbert, Valentino - all died early. Her great competitor for Greatest Silent Screen Queen, Mary Pickford, eventually became an agoraphobic recluse. Many Silent actresses turned down the role because they thought it would make them look crazy. And perhaps it did make Swanson seem crazy by later generations, but she was the most well-adjusted actor I can think of, if rather arrogant. The fact that she didn't want to do a "Sunset 2" speaks volumes.

[@CinemaCities1978]

In all the interviews I've watched of her later in life, she's so down to earth, but also very much the great lady. In an interview with Barbara Walters, she said she never wanted to be a movie star; she wanted to be a singer.

[@dbarker7794]

Such a great movie. "Heartbreaking" is a good description. Thanks for covering it. Btw, a clip from Sunset Boulevard makes a pivotal appearance in Twin Peaks: The Return. The character David Lynch plays is named after a character in SB.

[@smedleybutler1969]

A beautiful tribute to Gloria Swanson,There was a lot to this woman that people forget!

[@donnafromnyc]

There is a whole backstory about her and her autobiography that was in Vanity Fair a while ago (when they were still doing articles on Old Hollywood) that isn't terribly complementary, but she lived the life she wanted to live. For many years I recall she was a devotee of Carlton Fredericks, an early nutrition and health advocate well known at least in NY metro because he had a daily radio show on WOR.

[@CinemaCities1978]

There was an article in last months VF about her, can you believe it! VF used to do the best stories on classic Hollywood, it also used to be 100+ pages now it's as slim as People.

[@carolynkingsley4421]

Love Sunset Blvd. I have it in my collection. I read Swanson's bio three times. It was that good.

[@fauxpinkytoo]

Swanson had been on a book tour in the mid-70s when she visited the pharma company my mom worked for, as she liked one of their products. Mom was a market analyst, and had the pleasure of escorting her around and talking with her. Ms. Swanson was totally sweet and charming, but tiny...around 5' in heels. But a total powerhouse.

[@donnafromnyc]

@@fauxpinkytoo That is very memorable indeed!

[@andrewthornhill7042]

​@@carolynkingsley4421 'Swanson On Swanson' was a very well-written book, a great read. But so detailed! I managed it through a couple of times, but now only read a chapter or two when I get nostalgic.

[@williamsteriti2718]

This was great great documentary that you was done she was a great actress and that was an incredible movie That's a movie that I can watch over and over again and still enjoy it tremendously thanks for doing this video it really is awesome ♾️🛐✝️🙏

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dabeage]

She was a fantastic actress (clearly,) and a fantastic woman; modern, progressive, and quite intelligent.

[@risk5riskmks93]

Nancy Olsen appeared live at an event a few months ago. The only living star from the picture. Amazing to meet her.

[@CinemaCities1978]

So cool! I've seen interviews with her and she tells some fantastic stories about her time in Hollywood.

[@jamesmiller4184]

Nancy Olsen : Oh! MY HEART! 🌼

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

Just wanted to add: Thanks so much for this video. I’m crazy about Gloria Swanson.❤

[@CinemaCities1978]

You are so welcome!

[@bandicoot5412]

Thanks for doing her justice!

[@CinemaCities1978]

you're welcome!

[@deadalready7467]

Another great video of a classic film & star. TY so much from newbie. Many Blessings 🙏🇺🇸

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it! This was a fun one to make.

[@catherineaiello7136]

GS was amazing in SB. Great movie.

[@DMovieman]

I remember wondering why Gloria Swanson wasn't a name I recognized growing up, like Bette Davis, Dorothy Dandridge, Judy Garland, or Marilyn Monroe. Then, it made sense learning about her backstory after watching the film some years back. Have you ever seen or heard any clips from the ALW musical? Some of the songs really add some added depth and heartbreak to Norma's character. I hope there's a revival I can see in person one day. 🙏🙏🙏

[@CinemaCities1978]

It's crazy to me how someone can go from the top of the world to completely forgotten. That aspect of celebrity culture has always intrigued me. I think the dramatic technological shift going from silent to sound is a special circumstance, but it still destroyed lots of careers. SUSNET BLVD the musicals is one of my bucket list musicals. I've watched it on line but I really want to see it live.

[@troybirch]

Because thanks to the current availability of unlimited content we want to see people no longer find anything they are unfamiliar with. Black And white films (for the most part) and Silent’s just aren’t approachable for most people.

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

I saw the musical on Broadway starring Glen Close as Norma Desmond . The set alone was worth the ticket price. I still enjoyed the movie more than the play. I still have the tee shirt, lapel pin and hat that I bought in the lobby!

[@andrewthornhill7042]

​@@bobbyantonelli7978 I saw Petula Clark playing Norma in London several years ago. Yes, great set and costumes, but phenomenal performances from all the actors.

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

@@andrewthornhill7042 Same in NYC! Amazing!

[@michelsurprenant4799]

I could go on and on about how this movie is a 10 for me and I will. Besides the perfect decor, lighting, directing, etc. Gloria Swanson had lived through the exact same thing in real life. She brought he overacting of the silent movie era, the realization that your star is dimming. She had lived these strong emotions in real life. You can see it in her eyes in the movie. her acting is not acting, I remember Carol Burnett remaking Sunset Blvd. (You have to see that!) and other times, Gloria Swanson was a guest on her show. She was smart, talented and very classy.

[@CinemaCities1978]

The film is a 10/10 for me too. I have seen the Carol Burnett Nora Desmond parodies, they are hilarious.

[@glennmalimban5256]

Gloria Swanson should have won Best Actress in 1950 for the iconic role of Norma Desmond. Several decades after, Sunset Blvd still stands as one of the greatest movies ever made. While the actress who won that year in a movie that rarely talked about remains only a footnote in Oscar history...

[@arnesahlen2704]

Well presented! Gloria deserves widespread admiration for countless reasons.

[@timothyreynolds890]

I just discovered your channel and subscribed. You do a fantastic job on these mini-documentaries. Love your commentary.

[@nancydemoss2945]

Sunset Boulevard is a masterpiece and one of my favorite movies!

[@auldreekie7768]

Boulevard! A Hollywood story, is a fascinating documentary about Gloria Swanson hiring Dickson Hughes and Richard Stapley two young songwriters and romantic partners to write a musical version of Sunset Boulevard. She develops romantic feelings for Richard Stapley and there’s many instances of life imitating art in the documentary.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I just recently saw the trailer for that doc and it looks wild. I'm planning on watching it tonight since it's available to rent on Amazon Prime.

[@carrietezeno3040]

I Love Sunset Blvd One Of My Favorite I Love Old Movies They Are The Best ❤❤

[@crizzy8373]

This is a great film that I’ve watched several times! She was brilliant!

[@PeterG1975]

Loved this doco. Brilliant.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you!

[@DanielOrme]

I just discovered your terrific channel and have been going through your older vids this weekend. Subscribed! ☺

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thanks and welcome

[@dabear2438]

Good video... thanks for posting it. 👍

[@tommydv]

Another excellent video. Thank you.

[@beetweedledee]

Looks like I'm going to watch Sunset Boulevard again. That movie astounds.

[@TroyBrooksPainter]

Bravo! Well done. Beautifully researched.

[@charityshoptreasures2569]

She was amazing amazing actress a true star ⭐

[@CinemaCities1978]

yes! she was a star through and though. In her interviews in her later life she just exudes that energy.

[@65g4]

Great video well done

[@theresalouise1716]

thank you, very interesting!

[@znmnky13]

Great video. Thanks for making this.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nickimontie]

Excellent analysis and video!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thanks for watching

[@terr777]

Very nicely done!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you very much!

[@arnepianocanada]

Wonderfully presented.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you liked it!

[@joshsalwen]

You do a great job. I’m really enjoying your storytelling

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you!

[@ohmeowzer1]

Great job I liked and subscribed..thank you so much so interesting

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thanks for the sub!

[@mainstreettoffee488]

You honored her legacy so tastefully , I teared up ! Thank you for the fantastic work

[@jamesmiller4184]

Same thoughts here. Obviously, her work comes directly from the heart, as combined with no little talent.

[@wooden5c]

I just found your channel this week. Love it!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you!

[@tsalikaki]

loved this good job

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you!!

[@Porsche996driver]

Sunset Blvd really picks up on several Hollywood themes. Being famous can be a blessing and a curse. ✨ Love your perspectives!

[@dstuart2918]

Very good, thank you. Probably seen this film 10 times, same as "All About Eve". These films and a few others ("The Little Foxes", "Breakfast at Tiffany's") are the greatest films ever churned out by Hollywood.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I love this movie. This and Arsenic and Old Lace are two of my favorites.

[@Kidraver555]

She was great in sunset and showed amazing self belief to parody her life with such humor.

[@drewgayle8325]

GREAT ONE !!!!!!!

[@DrMoorehen]

Lovely, just subscribed.

[@pre-codefilmclipsandmore1744]

Back in the 70's or 80's, she visited the nearby town of Paducah KY. She was selling a book and appeared on the local tv station.

[@boombasett6038]

SHE WAS AWESOME. I first saw this film when i was studying Digital filmmaking and multimedia at college and was blown away by the film. She got robbed of that oscar.

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

I agree with adela Rogers st.John : “ when I think of the epitome of a “ movie star” ,I think of Gloria Swanson. Legendary movie and star.