I had to check the credits of this scandal based documentary out to make sure that neither Kenneth Anger nor Boze Hadleigh were involved. Having become disgusted by the way they either embellish the truth or out right lie, I find that I can't stomach their methods in documenting Hollywood history. I am grateful to say I did not see their names, so proceeded to watch this, instantly impressed in the sensitivity to the subjects discussed even if giving a slight warning to those longing for fame the prices often paid for success. I had never heard before the probable truth behind the Fatty Arbuckle scandal, utilizing a vindictive prostitute as the key to his downfall. This covers the silent years through the 1980's, focusing on those who died either in obscurity over scandalous events in their past or various addictions. Lugosi, Belushi, Alfalfa, Elvis, among others, get their little bits, and in most cases, a bit of sympathy as well. As Hollywood faces new charges of degradation and hypocrisy, public judgment is once again impacting careers and credibility. It's a nice lesson that fame can only be sustained in a positive way when the actors or performers try to maintain some reality in their lives. Obviously not made for regular television due to cursing and various sexual descriptions, it still remains intriguing in it's presentation, not as a video scandal sheet, but a cautionary tale.
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mark.waltz10 March 2018
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I discovered this title, along with companion title "Death In Hollywood," in a video store in Minot, ND. They're both great documentaries, with plenty of classic scenes, movie trailer, clips of performances and pulls no punches in describing and showing the destruction that substance abuse wreaked upon some of the industry's top stars and their families.
Beginning with Fatty Arbuckle and ending with Janis Joplin, the tragic consequences of alcohol and drug abuse are shown, with no attempt to romanticize their affects rather showing the waste and pain that they brought to the performers and their fans.
Perhaps the two titles will one day be updated and put on DVD. Until then, check Ebay often and bid aggressively.