Dana and Tom with Frank Mandosa (host of Reels of Cinema, co-host of Movie Across the Pod) revisit Sunset Boulevard (1950): written and directed by Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett and DM Marshman Jr, cinematography by John F. Seitz, music by Franz Waxman, starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich Von Stroheim.

Plot Summary: Sunset Boulevard is a dark Hollywood drama directed by Billy Wilder. The story follows Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts. By chance, he meets Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a once-famous silent film actress who now lives in isolation in her decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Norma dreams of making a comeback and convinces Joe to help rewrite a script she believes will return her to stardom.

As Joe becomes financially dependent on Norma, he finds himself trapped in her world of fading glory and denial. Their relationship grows tense and unhealthy, especially as Joe develops feelings for another young writer. Norma’s desperation and inability to accept reality lead to a shocking and tragic ending. The film is a powerful look at obsession, fame, and the dark side of Hollywood.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Frank

04:39 Why is Sunset Boulevard So Critically Revered?

14:11 Background for Sunset Boulevard

16:51 Relationship(s) to Sunset Boulevard

24:37 Plot Summary for Sunset Boulevard

25:45 What is Sunset Boulevard About?

29:35 Is Sunset Boulevard Billy Wilder's Best Film?

33:48 Did You Know?

35:52 First Break

36:34 What's Happening with Frank

40:38 Big Announcement - The Cinema Legacy Poll

51:32 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

57:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:03:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:06:12 Second Break

01:06:49 In Memoriam

01:08:04 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:14:31 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:19:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:22:13 Remaining Questions for Sunset Boulevard

01:23:36 Thank You to Frank and Final Thoughts

01:26:14 Credits

Guest:

Frank Mandosa

• Host of Reels of Cinema podcast, co-host of Movies across the Pod
• https://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.com
• Previously on The Sixth Sense

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

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For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950-revisit-ft-frank-mandosa

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder, Hollywood, film analysis, classic cinema, movie podcast, film history, character study, cinematic techniques, cultural impact, revisit, film noir, black and white, Oscars, William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich Von Stroheim, Franz Waxman

Ronny Duncan Studios