Liberace (1988)

Andrew J. Robinson stars in the made-for-television film depicting the life of Liberace.

[@rossi73-gv6kg]

Andrew Robinson played Liberace so much better than Michael Douglas. Absolutely nailed it!! Wow!

[@NPCSingularity]

A talented actor, educator, and all-round great human being. He did an amazing job!

[@wangson]

Wow! Andrew Robinson both looked and sounded just like the real deal! What amazing job he did in this role! I'm in awe of this performance!

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

This guy didn't simply play Liberace, he BECAME Liberace. Truly scary. He certainly deserved an Emmy for this, or some kind of recognition in the form of an award.

[@golden8972]

Andrew Robinson is an INSANELY good actor 👏!! He LITERALLY becomes the character he plays.

[@barbarasturtevant8327]

I totally agree. He portrayed Liberace perfecty!! Applause 👏 👏👏👏

[@1punch_man]

Agreed. Wow. This guy truly looks like Liberace it's insane.

[@martindesa-nh5dt]

I was looking for the Duglas movie but this looks better

[@Garrysullivanjones]

Nobody asked you Monty

[@467-k1m]

Thank you Mr. Robinson for that fantastic performance. I must confess that not for one minute did I think I was watching anyone but Liberace. Thank you Mr. Bentley for bringing this film to us. Moreover, and more profound, thank you all who made this film possible. I am humbled and I remain at 80+ years old, Sentebay.

[@kathypellette2509]

I have seen this a number of times and havent in a while and i always enjoy it again. Yes this actor is so very perfect in the role! There will never be another Liberace! Such a great entertainer!

[@trinitytwo14992]

Andrew Robinson, a very talented actor. Liberace, one of a kind!

[@evarodriguezalequin5705]

He was truly a showman. nobody could replace him. it was very sad how he died.

[@1punch_man]

The Parasites that sucked him dry at the end is Horrific. But these types of people are everywhere and possibly in one's own family. Hopefully people learn a lesson from his life.

[@danielnathanleland7004]

How about the 15-year-old boy he was living with at the end? Was that not also sad?

[@gailbryce5309]

After 35 years l am thrilled to be able to view this movie again,. One of my all time favorites,. n fr ared l might never find it again

[@juliemunro1]

Always a great entertainer. My grandmother really made me aware of this great man, she loved him and his musical talent from when he first became popular

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

I already said this in another comment, but this is an absolutely scary performance. He's not playing Liberace, he BECAME LIBERACE. As a screenplay, this is inferior to "Behind the Candelabra", but this actor's portrayal of Liberace is far more accurate than Michael Douglas', no disrespect to him of course. I mean, this guy's delivery, tone and inflections are EXACTLY like Liberace's. It's absolutely amazing.

[@1punch_man]

💯 percent.

[@nightbloomer4739]

The comments I’m seeing here are, remarkably like the ones seen for Austin Butler in Elvis. Actors totally committed to their work, to the extent of absorbing the characters they portray. What a shame it is when great works of art don’t get the recognition they deserve. There are instances when films do get reborn, I hope people will continue to come and support this work.

[@christianealshut1123]

Yes, the difference between Douglas and Robinson as Liberace is exactly the same as between Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toby Jones playing Truman Capote - I know Hoffman did win an Oscar for his performance but I always liked Toby Jones better, he simply IS Truman Capote while Hoffman just gives a very good interpretation. I think Robinson does not shy from the sexual ambiguity, while Douglas' version is more like a guy with an affected accent. He never gets to make us see his Liberace as a convincing homosexual, while Robinson does.

[@daphnenapier1102]

Liberace was so entertaining a lovely man he enjoyed his luxurious lifestyle He was fantastic

[@maryjernigan6127]

My grandmother loved Liberace. She watched him on TV all the time and that made me love him too. He played the piano like nobody else. I don't know if my grandmother thought about whether he was gay or not, I think she just loved to hear him play the piano and sing. He was a good kind man and tried to make people happy. I don't think it's anybody's business but his and God's whether he was gay or not but it would be a shame to let that one thing, cancel everything else out. He has another movie on YT that's worth seeing, "SINCERELY YOURS".

[@richlevy]

God bless his soul.🕊️ I remember him and his last time on Oprah. He, Rock Hudson, and so many Aids took away from us.💔 Taking away some precious people. God bless all their souls and we who are left behind...😓

[@Tiber234]

I'll have to find some time and rewatch this - Loved Andy Robinson esp as Garak and Scorpio

[@Garrysullivanjones]

Don’t forget Monty from Cobra “He’s the psycho !” Ok sure Scorpio, I mean Monty

[@willferrellnumberone201]

Andrew Robinson was phenomenal as Liberace he really fit the role

[@andrewthurman9739]

I agree he played a great part but I kept thinking he looked like the British comedian, Benny Hill in this movie.

[@albertbareno2690]

Andrew Robinson was excellent as Liberace he looks like him sounded exactly like him Andrew very underrated actor last 50 years great character actor Dirty Harry Cobra Mask

[@40stbotolph]

At some angles he looks like Jack Palance.

[@jmar1973]

Garak!😹

[@mickeyray3793]

Always loved Libby! I saw him live at the West Palm Beach auditorium back in the 80's. We were sitting in the front row. When we were leaving I found a sequin on the floor which had popped off his outfit. I saved that tiny sequin for years until it finally disappeared. 😊

[@oracleoracle2655]

I am so glad I found this! Have been looking for this made-for-tv movie about Liberace for a long time. I thought Andrew Robinson did the best portrayal of Liberace I have seen. Detested the movie with Michael Douglas.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Victor Garber played Liberace in another t.v. movie.

[@timtibbetts4193]

Never seen the Michael Douglas one either but I couldn't get through this for very long at all. Cringeworthy.

[@arlenmargolin4868]

You didn't like that movie because of too much reality I imagine

[@matthewsweitzer4382]

@@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE I have too

[@juanitarichards1074]

@@timtibbetts4193 The one with Michael Douglas was great, riveting and true to life. I was mesmerized.

[@earlyculyer4103]

Remind me of Paul Edward Lynde from Hollywood Squares he would have made a great Liberace his voice so similar.

[@phil4977]

This was brilliant. He played Liberace much better than Michael Douglas did.

[@peterkinberger9741]

Very nice movie. Liberace is missed by many even unto this day. I hope and pray that he has made his peace with the Lord Jesus Christ before he died. RIP Liberace ! You brought happiness to many !

[@davidralphs4]

Highly unlikely. Great man, but Lee by all accounts was an unrepentant homosexual and was Roman Catholic.

[@niamhryan9677]

Saw this as I child. Loved it. This actor is brilliant

[@chrisbaerart]

Such a shame they never released this on dvd....one of my favorite movies. Robinson is great here.

[@mrnobodyz]

Andrew Robinson is such a great (character) actor and I really can’t think of anyone better suited to playing this lead role.

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

He's incredible.

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

@Jeepman89 Michael Douglas was great, but this guy basically became Liberace reincarnated.

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

@Jeepman89 I agree with you there. Behind the Candelabra is a vastly superior film. I can't see myself watching this one anywhere near as much.

[@thylacinethetigerwolf1372]

After this tv movie..all I can remember him in was Shoot to Kill with Sidney Poitier and Tom Berenger..he had a few minutes..but the terror in his face in that scene truly you can see the liberace in that expression..

[@rachaljay3759]

Thank you. I've been wanting to watch this film for a long time. 🙏

[@slowbro1337]

Garak on the holo deck

[@jadacombs6360]

BLESS YOU! 😭😭 I’ve been looking for this for a long time!

[@internetuser8460]

I had been looking for this movie everywhere and was unable to find it, thank you so much !

[@ghostparkin]

Great Film! Andrew Robinson play young Liberace very good and Michael Douglas play old Liberace good too!

[@brianparent8901]

This was one of the best movies on Liberace, The man was amazing

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Now that I think of it, Garak is sort of what you would get if Liberace and the Scorpio Killer raised a child together...

[@ScotesMagotesIsAnImposter]

While running a lizard farm.

[@MinhNguyen-cn8kx]

master Liberace was a genius one of a kind human being.... with love and respect from Vietnam.

[@John-bo1sz]

I still don't think my mom thought he was gay.before She passed away. But she chose what she wanted to see. After all, I'm her gay son and she never knew. As far as I know. She probably chose not see it. A mother always knows. She even loved Boy George. Didn't think once he was gay. Just a fabulous dresser and singer. She had to have known. She just had to.

[@Garrysullivanjones]

Was your mom homophobic?

[@milkman5055]

Andrew Robinson pulled Liberace off better than Lee himself. WOW, what a stellar performance.

[@Yobbie72]

better than Lee himself?

[@olivelane7903]

Yes l agree but.. any actor is better than Michael horrible douglas

[@michaeljackson7732]

Yes indeed thank you I've been trying to find this movie for a long time

[@nicholasshade]

I love Liberace. He is GREAT. GREAT like a tiger.💛

[@irenarobh6058]

wow wat amazin actor.well done you did him and us proud ..

[@golden8972]

So glad to see this version here!

[@andrewmiller4885]

I will never understand homosexuality. Is it nature or is it nurture; can we ever really know? I used to detest these people thinking they were harming society, and its moral values. I have come a long way since then and have come to the realisation, that God loves all his children, even when we displease him, and we all have displeased him in one way or another. I am ashamed of the judgement I executed upon the gay community. I began reading books on famous people I admired, writers, musicians, poets only to also find out many of them were homosexual. I was stunned. It was then i realised I had no right to condemn them. Did I love their talents any less, the minds any less. Had my admiration of them diminished in any way. Was I fascinated by them any less. ???? The answer was NO. My heart was touched by their life stories and the struggles many of them had too. It was a valuable lesson for me, and I thank God for it. Liberace was a wonderful human being, kind, generous and really very humble at heart. He loved his mother and family, and he was of course an absolute super talent. Freddy Mercury was the same. May they rest in peace. Thank you so much for this film.

[@Baneberryy]

really sweet comment :)) i'm a gay trans man and it makes me smile knowing that people can change and accept us :)

[@CursoryMercenary]

Andrew Robinson is only 3 years older than Michael Douglas, interesting to see how we would have done in Behind the Candelabra.

[@johnhalloran9072]

Hey! Glad to see someone put this movie up. I have a recording I’ve been restoring for ages, but your version has a few seconds from the intro I am missing. Do you have a raw file you could upload somewhere? I would really appreciate it. What interests you in this movie by the way? I have a friend who acted in it. Edit: I’d be happy to pay postage both ways just to run this tape on my equipment. I can clean up a lot of the defects.

[@bigtub1101]

I love Andrew Robinson!!!

[@yaywhewclips242]

Robinson also featured in hellraiser. Wonderful as Garak on Star Trek DS9

[@deadgirl5805]

The father! I was scanning the comments to see if anyone mentioned that.

[@angelanetherton8240]

@@deadgirl5805 u mean Step Father?

[@kevinwilliams7070]

And scorpio in dirty Harry.😊

[@danahsutton101]

Wow. It's great to see Andy. I've always known him as playing the bad guy against Clint. He's amazing the way he became Lee.😊

[@misssusan8000]

Great actor!!!! I loved the movie because of him... Andrew robinson

[@MrCarpen7er]

Just found this right now. I thought Michael Douglas was great, but Andy Robinson nailed it perfectly !

[@MrSeattle98177]

need a HD version!

[@Garrysullivanjones]

This blurville edition is great? Lovely scratches all over the place

[@gregoryblaska1586]

Interesting, I never even knew this treatment existed. The impersonation is accurately spot-on and considering the restrictions of this 1988 venue, the whole presentation is not bad at all. It displays what audiences most valued in Liberace's publicly performed persona and particular brand of entertainment. Steven Soderbergh's BEHIND THE CANDLEBRA (2013) for HBO makes a more than worthy comparison of the same story with much dark humor and thematics, self-awareness and depth. Michael Douglas' audacious Liberace in that version may be the best performance of his entire career; it is certainly unsavory and shocking. We may not "like" what we see there, but we are reminded that life in the limelight often attracts/reinforces complexity. Matt Damon, Rob Lowe, Scott Bakula and Dan Aykroyd (also in it) similarly take big risks by challenging what we've come to expect from them. I'm glad I got the chance to see this. Both films taken together, construct a more complete portrait than each separately. Thanks for posting this valentine and gem!

[@Bonzulac]

I've never seen anyone wear a candlebra before that movie.

[@derekstaroba]

so basically just do and say bizarre stuff like candelabra and if you have a personality you are famous. got it :/ 🤔 👍 🤪

[@laurabattey]

The best acting in that movie was by Debbie Reynolds. I saw it 3xs before I knew it was her, and then only because I saw her name in the credits.

[@gregoryblaska1586]

@@laurabattey Wasn't she incredible? Totally incognito, she completely disappeared into the role. Who knew?

[@laurabattey]

@gregoryblaska1586 And during the movie you never think, "what good acting," because like you say it was totally incognito. All you think is, ah, there's Lee's mom. Now that's truly great.

[@AMISHOVERSHOE]

LIBERACE GOD BLESS

[@Ccyawn123]

Rue Mclanahan as his mom 😍

[@ralphjenkinsak]

John: I'm afraid liberace has followed oscar wilde's footsteps.

[@Yobbie72]

Robinson did a much better job than Michael Douglas as Liberace! My only issue is that he looked far too young as Lee in the 80s.

[@williamarchibald1378]

Too much of a good thing isn't wonderful. Too much of a good thing can ruin you

[@Toracube]

He’s got the voice down!

[@PatrickOCnMD]

Andy Robinson as Liberace? Quite a departure from his usual heavy roles.

[@angelanetherton8240]

Hahaha this actor portraying Lee sounds just like him... I’m laughing because you can definitely tell he is faking it as he tries to look as if he can play the piano..

[@dakotail]

Thank you Zach Bentley ~ for the upload //// Bravo ~~~ 10/1/2021 ~~~

[@schinaro]

Liberace Vs Scorpio. Make my day Andy

[@ATLJonathanH]

He never played without his pinky ring, which is missing in the shot.

[@districtline]

I'm trying hard to forget that Andrew Robinson played the "Scorpio" killer in the first "Dirty Harry" 😕

[@laurabattey]

Doesn't matter, since it's Victor Garber who's playing Liberace in this.

[@Garrysullivanjones]

@@laurabatteyit’s Andy Robinson , the heck you talking about victor garber? It says Andy’s name at start credits.

[@oracleoracle2655]

Song in this movie "the man that got away"...Judy Garland did this song better than absolutely anyone ever. No one can compare to her with the exception of Barbara Streisand.

[@brentbalkaran7028]

Too bad ppl don't remember him

[@donaldewert2332]

One of Milwaukee's Stars!!!

[@trekkiejunk]

As a huge Star Trek fan, and also a Liberace fan to a degree, i can't believe i never put it together that Garrick should have played Liberace. Turned out, he did, and i didn't even know it. I wonder if a better version of this film is out there...

[@clarabellcutting8745]

The actor playing Liberace played the bad guy in Dirty Harry movie he played it so good I haven’t liked him since

[@Garrysullivanjones]

Did you write to him at least to resolve your issues?

[@JimmysAdventures_watch]

thumbnail looks like young Vince McMahon

[@cdewitt406]

Excellent

[@longcycler8832]

This is an awful quality upload, but that aside, Andy Robinson was extraordinary playing Liberace's life and the totally believable psychotic in dirty Harry. Extraordinary!!

[@neiljosephbennett9119]

You can't blame the quality of the upload - it's a 35 year-old transfer from a video tape.

[@Garrysullivanjones]

I liked Andy as Monty in cobra . His glare at Marion every time they crossed paths. The fact Reni Santoni was in that as another cop duo. Personally it fits in the Dirty Harry world . In America ...

[@anjinsanx44]

Wonderful

[@vjstv0101]

Thank you

[@richardphillips6205]

The guy who played him . Was on the first DIRTY HARRY move lol

[@ChoctawNawtic4]

I really like him so much better than Michael Douglas. This seems so much more genuine.

[@jasongibson3496]

Is this the same actor who guest starred in Designing Women [ the third season - 1988-1989 ] as a male Lady June Belle? I remember his character's name was Rodger and he tried to pick up Suzanne, so he could have sex with her in one of the hotel rooms. The episode was about Charlene needing some extra money to pay off some Christmas bills, so she joins a perky cult, selling bathroom cleaning products called Lady June and the sales people were called Lady June Belles. By the way I do enjoy the movie. Thank You and God Bless - Jason.

[@jennifervalentine7519]

They made him out to be a Wonderful man, WHY?? Because he was! 🥰🥰 Jamie was good for him!

[@Adam-zq2mw]

Do you want to move back to Palm Springs? No.... I want to live in Las Vegas! So... you like the simple life!

[@prouddaddyofdos]

Wish this was better picture quality!

[@iancolthart6676]

Ever since I saw Andrew Robinson in Hellraiser, my thought was "wow, he looks a lot like Liberace!" Imagine my delight when I found out he played him in a biopic!

[@michaelattia9834]

Liberace was full of glitter and glamour, but lacking in substance. His music was as facile as his makeup.

[@chadwickst.clair-smythe4217]

Elim Garak in deep cover indeed.

[@RADIUMGLASS]

I remember watching this the night it aired.

[@paulprocopolis]

Andrew Robinson does a good job in the role of Liberace, but the film contains quite a lot of fiction ...

[@bohemoth1]

FANTASTIC I JUST LOVES IT...

[@lepanhman]

Oh cmon Liberace wasn’t kissing gals lol

[@lindasloat2794]

He was engaged to a gal and her father WOULDN'T let her. It married him in a heart beat. Gay and all..prefer straight tho....but....he was such a lovely and kind man.

[@noneyabusiness2237]

where see this in high resolution?

[@CursoryMercenary]

Great film!, what was the song at the end?

[@seamusblack5876]

The actor was a villian in a dirty Harry movie

[@roxannemoser]

Sure skipped a lot of the Scott drama.

[@CursoryMercenary]

They didn't really showcase the relationship between Liberace & Scott Thorson in this.

[@KellyK387]

I still think Michael Douglas did better. One of my fav movies. I have never seen this and am watching now, didn’t realize this actor was the Scorpio killer on Dirty Harry .

[@minstrelcat1951]

I bloody KNEW Garek was hiding something like this with all that 'I'm a simple tailor who lives for clothes folderol!' Headcanon accepted......😂

[@itzakpoelzig330]

He wasn't a spy at all, he was hiding a second career as a flamboyant stage pianist! I knew it!

[@Norfolk250]

I di'int know Rue McClanahan was Liberacé 's Mom!!

[@murielglass5333]

46:22 That's what Liberace said!

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Luv li

[@deborahmancini429]

This man will never be another. DEBORAH C. MANCINI HE HAD A GOD LIKE SPIRIT.

[@MrDBarch]

So, is THIS car a Buick he's driving there? 38:23

[@bombarde1701a]

Before he became a Cardassian agent of the Obsidian Order…

[@TrollitaTV]

No offense but because being gay is so trendy now why is this so hard to find? Been looking for this for AGES. I was but a wee lass when it aired, and it was heavily promoted back in the day. This isn’t ANYWHERE? Criterion Collection, save us!

[@tomkelly4336]

I think that Liberace had the talent to be a classical pianist, but I think he was awed by the money he could make commercially.

[@alp7928]

He was both

[@derekstaroba]

no his son I'd named Rob Lowe also. how bizarre

[@ladysuzanna1]

s0 sad