on my first viewing and i wasn not particularly impressed with this movie but i like it a lot more on the second and by the third when it magnificently transfer on dvd i be fan and too . this be a good visual film and particularly when it show the inside of this incredible mansion where a lot of the scene take place . to those who have never see it and you be warn that it be not an easy film to view and it be a portrait of a pathetic have be silent movie star who still think she can come back after a long hiatus and be a star again . gloria swanson and who play the role and overacts and certainly be not appeal and even border on grotesque at time and but she isn not suppose to look good . that one of the point of the story . anyway and a young william holden and in his first starring role and be okay and also provide the narration . the most interesting figure in the film to me be the ex husband now butler and play by eric von stroheim . he amaze in this film . in support role and i also enjoy the wholesome nancy olsen and the young jack webb of dragnet fame . this combination of drama soap opera film noir be one of the professional critic all time favorite film . odd how they love movie and hollywood star so much and yet relish film that tear them down and a this do .