Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer
Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer

Movie spotlight

Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer

1990
Movie
75 min
English

Documentary about the life and work of film director Preston Sturges.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Director: Kenneth BowserGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the life and career of Preston Sturges, one of Hollywood's most successful and idiosyncratic screenwriters and directors of the 1940s. It delves into his early life, his groundbreaking work in film, and his eventual, dramatic downfall due to financial and personal struggles.

Critical Reception

The documentary was widely praised for its insightful examination of Sturges's remarkable talent and tragic trajectory. Critics lauded its comprehensive scope, engaging narrative, and the wealth of archival footage and interviews, offering a definitive look at a Hollywood genius.

What Reviewers Say

  • A thorough and affectionate tribute to a forgotten master.

  • Effectively captures both the brilliance and the pathos of Sturges's life.

  • Essential viewing for anyone interested in classic Hollywood cinema.

Google audience: Audience reception for this documentary is overwhelmingly positive, with viewers frequently praising its comprehensive look at Preston Sturges's career and personal life, highlighting his innovative filmmaking and the compelling, albeit sad, narrative of his rise and fall.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Fun Fact

Preston Sturges was one of the first screenwriters in Hollywood history to receive an "and directed by" credit, a testament to his significant creative control and vision.

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