Gloria Swanson and the Curse of Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard 1950)

#classicmovies #classichollywood #oldmovies In 1983, Gloria Swanson passed away leaving behind a legacy as one of the biggest and most glamorous stars of the silent movie era. With nearly 70 films and short subjects under her belt, she set the fashion trends and hair styles for women everywhere, and was named the most fashionable woman in the world. But it was her role as Norma Desmond in the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard that cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Although Gloria Swanson was able to weather the shift from silent to talking pictures, her film career was dead by the mid-1930s. However, her unforgettable performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard brought her back into the spotlight. But while Gloria Swanson's performance of Norma Desmond is iconic, it also had an effect of altering the public's perception of her life and career. In essence, Gloria Swanson and Norma Desmond became one person in the eyes of audiences, with many confusing the delusional, stuck-in-the-past Norma Desmond with the real-life Gloria Swanson. In reality, Swanson was an astute businesswoman who founded her own production company and was able to negotiate for herself creative control over her projects. You can watch some of Gloria Swanson's classic silents here 🍿MALE AND FEMALE 1919 (directed by C. B. Demille) https://archive.org/details/MaleAndFe... 🍿MANHANDLED 1924 (directed by Allan Dwan) https://archive.org/details/silent-ma... 🍿ZAZA 1923 (directed by Allan Dwan)    • Zaza (Dwan, 1923) — 1080p   🍿PERFECT UNDERSTANDING (this one is kind of a mess story wise but it co stars a young Laurence Olivier who is rather rakish and charming. Plus, Gloria sings! Since she wanted to be a singer more than an actress it's treat to watch!)    • Perfect Understanding 1933 ( Laurence Oliv...   🎙️Also, heres the full 1957 Mike Wallace interviews. He absolutely boorish in his manner and questioning but Gloria shows how much of a class act she is.    • Video   🎙️And her interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20 from 1980    • Gloria Swanson, Barbara Walters, 1981 Inte...   subscribe to the free cinema cities newsletter 📰https://screenspectator.substack.com?... If you're loving these videos consider supporting the channel at: ☕️https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cinemaci... ⭐️   / cinemacities   ✅Check out the full list of Cinema Cities Books and Movie recommendations https://www.amazon.com/shop/cinemacities 🎵Like the music? Find my playlist with the music I've used here: https://share.epidemicsound.com/l84tu... And, if you sign up to Epidemic Sound through the playlist link, you'll get 1 month for free! I hang out on Twitter so come on over and say hi! 😀Twitter:   / cities1978​   ✉️Email: [email protected] Disclosure: This video description may contain affiliate links and referral codes, which means I may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or sign-ups made through my links. I am a participant in multiple affiliate and referral programs, including Amazon and Epidemic Sound.