Jane Fonda gives a tough, fierce performance as chain-smoking writer Lillian Hellman, working on her breakthrough play "The Children's Hour" while harking back on her friendship with a political-minded woman-friend who once involved her in treacherous anti-Nazi activities in the 1930s. Adapted from Hellman's short story (part of her book "Pentimento"), yet filled with arty pretensions and unrealized relationships. Jason Robards won a Supporting Oscar for his flashy performance as Hellman's lover, writer Dashiell Hammett, and Vanessa Redgrave also took a statue as the luminous friend, Julia. Still, it is Fonda's energy and amusing drive that keeps the film on track (her outbursts at the typewriter are especially memorable, and perfectly captured). The picture is handsome to a fault, but too long and occasionally inert. Look fast for Meryl Streep in her film debut. **1/2 from ****
Review of Julia
