open night release in 1977 and try to be an ambitious production . it succeed only in the truly stunning performance of gena rowlands . her character of theatre actress myrtle be not necessarily someone we would love in real life . she be self absorbed and often obnoxious and and make life miserable for those around her in other word and not unlike some actress . myrtle be also a woman on the edge of collapse we be not quite sure if the demon she be fight be real or imagine and although we be let in on the secret early . rowlands be obviously well direct with love by her gifted husband and actor or director john cassavettes and who have a role in the film as well . this film be not without flaw it be overly long and and the last part of the film where myrtle go on stage while very drunk seem almost cruel . the improvising in some of the dialogue at least while on stage go on way too long . some of the support character give good performance and especially from ben gazarra and play myrtle sleazy producer . joan blondell character be never fully develop and and i never could figure out why she be in the film and except to placate myrtle . see this film for rowlands alone she be fascinate throughout and it be tough to take your eye off her and although you will want to at time .