“Sunset Boulevard” Screens Tonight at Oneonta Theatre!

The Friends of the Oneonta Theatre will air the screen classic Sunset Boulevard tonight at 7 p.m.

This 1950 film noir film is always on the list of Best Films in history.  The film takes a stark and eerie look into the life of an aging Silent Movie star (played by Gloria Swanson) and her relationship with a young writer who takes interest in her (William Holden).  Looming throughout the movie is the star's ominous and omnipotent butler Max (Erich Von Strohheim).

The film marked a comeback of sorts for screen legend Swanson.  She was one of the biggest stars of the silent era, having received more than 10,000 pieces of fan mail a week at one time.  Her transition to "talkies" was more problematic.  William Holden was signed to play the role of Joe Gillis after Montgomery Clift reneged on his contract because he was uncomfortable "playing a love interest to someone (Swanson) much older than he").

Swanson, Holden and director Billy Wilder were all nominated for Academy Awards, but all failed to win.

The final five minutes of Sunset Boulevard are considered to be among the greatest final scene of any movie.  Here it is....