If you like the 1950 Hollywood original version of Sunset Boulevard, you're probably not going to like the 1956 television version, broadcasted on Robert Montgomery Presents. Since I couldn't stand the original, I was in a good position to appreciate a new interpretation, not to mention one that was half the original's running length.
Mary Astor, another middle-aged actress whose career can be traced back to the silent era, stars as the infamous Norma Desmond. She's completely different than Gloria Swanson; while Gloria is over-the-top and obviously mentally off, Mary is internally depressed and sad. Mary's interpretation doesn't come across as having any mental problems, just as being a recluse, ashamed of growing older, and very sad that she doesn't have a career anymore. She's much more pitiable, which might account for why Darren McGavin, in the William Holden role, is nicer to her. I always hated William Holden in Sunset Boulevard because he was so horribly mean and unfeeling. Darren isn't either of those, and it's clear he feels sorry for Mary Astor.
Keep in mind this is a television special, and it's live with very few scene changes. One nice treat is the footage shown of Mary Astor in the silent era, just as Gloria Swanson's footage was shown in the original.
Mary Astor, another middle-aged actress whose career can be traced back to the silent era, stars as the infamous Norma Desmond. She's completely different than Gloria Swanson; while Gloria is over-the-top and obviously mentally off, Mary is internally depressed and sad. Mary's interpretation doesn't come across as having any mental problems, just as being a recluse, ashamed of growing older, and very sad that she doesn't have a career anymore. She's much more pitiable, which might account for why Darren McGavin, in the William Holden role, is nicer to her. I always hated William Holden in Sunset Boulevard because he was so horribly mean and unfeeling. Darren isn't either of those, and it's clear he feels sorry for Mary Astor.
Keep in mind this is a television special, and it's live with very few scene changes. One nice treat is the footage shown of Mary Astor in the silent era, just as Gloria Swanson's footage was shown in the original.