While it's tempting to call this trite and dated, it's so uniquely charming that I can't do it. Bogart and Garner dominate but the entire supporting cast is wonderful in showing just what's needed from their characters, making Garner the center of the story even when she's not on screen. There's tons of narration yet it never feels jarring and if it weren't for the magnificent Cardiff colour cinematography this would be a classic Noir.

Too long, too much drama, too little Bogart.

Talky, but more than occasionally amusing. Besides, Gardner is very good here and so is Bogart. Even Rozanno Brazzi gives a good performance.

Mankiewicz induces death by talking in this overlong, irresolutely cynical showbiz tragedy that remains opaque and lifeless while much drama unfolds. Bogart looks like roadkill, O'Brien won an Oscar for sweating, and Ava Gardner looks good in a dress.

526

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Kinda weird seeing Bogie in color. That's the only really memorable thing about this movie, unfortunately

Beautiful tragic story of a high spirited, sharply intelligent Spanish dancer who finds that Hollywood stardom brings her everything she doesn't want. One of Ava's best performances - & she's stunningly gorgeous to boot. Humphrey Bogart shines as her friend & mentor.

The first part, charting Gardner's success and building her relationship with father figure Bogart, is actually pretty good. But Bogie slips out around the halfway point and isn't around much until the end, and it's this long period that just seems to plod along, not establishing much or doing anything interesting with the characters. And for a movie that keeps reiterating how life is not like a movie script, the dialogue is awfully overwritten and the performances quite theatrical.

Patchy film, better when Bogart is in it, although Bogie looks a little disinterested.

598