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The Star

Play trailer Poster for The Star 1952 1h 29m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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25% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 59% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Oscar-winning actress Margaret Elliot (Bette Davis) is well past her prime but refuses to retire from the acting business. Despite entreaties from both her daughter, Gretchen (Natalie Wood), and one-time professional colleague Jim Johannsen (Sterling Hayden), Margaret remains convinced that she can regain her former glory. As she sets her sights on a coveted Hollywood role, Johannsen tries doggedly to get his unrequited love to see the folly of her ways.
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The Star

Critics Reviews

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James Morgan Sight & Sound 08/31/2020
It is well worth seeing not only for what it might have been but for the star; this actress of wonderful temperament and precision creates a vivid, genuine figure, alternately pathetic and exasperating, gay and decrepit, vain, impossible and defenceless. Go to Full Review Bob Thomas Associated Press 07/24/2019
The Star is a wonderful tour de force for Bette Davis. Go to Full Review Dan Callahan Slant Magazine 06/07/2005
2/4
A threadbare, bargain-basement Sunset Boulevard. Go to Full Review Nell Dodson Russell Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder 12/16/2021
This serving of superlative dramatic film com will be received with gasps of admiration from the legion of Davis fans although there certainly isn't much else worthy of mention when Miss isn't switching her torso around before the camera. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 08/09/2010
C
Bette Davis received her ninth Oscar nomiation for this formulatic melodrama about a fading, alcoholic movie star, saved by the help of a young actor (Sterling Hayden). Go to Full Review Walter Chaw Film Freak Central 07/25/2007
1/4
Nearly washed-up Davis essaying completely washed-up Davis. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jacob B Sep 8 Carrie Fisher once said on TCM that “not all old movies are classics. Sometimes they’re just old movies”. She was right. This is one is an embarrassment for all involved, especially Bette Davis—even more so considering that the phenomenal “All About Eve” preceded this. Terrible overacting, laughably melodramatic dialogue and a story that reminds you all too much of the far superior “Eve”. Classic film fans: skip it! See more Julian S @akajulianscott 11/18/2024 It has the feel of a quasi-sequel to ALL ABOUT EVE and perhaps would have been more successful if it had been. See more Scott W 03/23/2021 Great cast ! Always like Bette Davis after ; All About Eve. She's very good here also See more steve d 07/21/2020 There is not much to it, and the acting is just ok. See more 07/04/2020 Great cast. Always liked Bette Davis after the movie; All About Eve . She's very good here also See more Nadya R 05/27/2020 I just can't buy a weak, needy Bette Davis crying on any man's shoulder. "I don't know what to do, PLEASE tell me what to do!" That lady stood up to bankers, producers, studio heads. See more Read all reviews
The Star

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Cast & Crew

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Stuart Heisler

Director

Bette Davis

Margaret Elliot

Sterling Hayden

Jim Johannsen

Natalie Wood

Gretchen

Warner Anderson

Harry Stone

Minor Watson

Joe Morrison

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The Star

The Star (1952) The Star (1952) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Oscar-winning actress Margaret Elliot (Bette Davis) is well past her prime but refuses to retire from the acting business. Despite entreaties from both her daughter, Gretchen (Natalie Wood), and one-time professional colleague Jim Johannsen (Sterling Hayden), Margaret remains convinced that she can regain her former glory. As she sets her sights on a coveted Hollywood role, Johannsen tries doggedly to get his unrequited love to see the folly of her ways.
Director
Stuart Heisler
Producer
Bert E. Friedlob
Screenwriter
Dale Eunson, Katherine Albert
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Bert E. Friedlob Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 1952, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2012
Runtime
1h 29m
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