I'm a bit obsessive about Billy Wilder and this is one of the few famous films of his that I haven't ever seen. Well now I have, and all I can say is it's obvious that this is another portrayal of 'Sunset Boulevard' where a man seeks to visit an aging Hollywood star who has become a recluse because of her own celebrity.
Barry Detweiler is devastated when he finds out that his old flame Fedora has committed suicide, especially since he saw her only 2 weeks ago at her beautiful remote island where she has been living out of the glare of the public. Whilst there, she confided in him that she was being kept a prisoner by a mysterious Polish countess. Barry is rightly concerned and starts trying to track her movements to see why she is being kept there against her will. The results are not expected. I found this movie (with the exception of the first scene) started very slowly, progressed moderately and suddenly towards the end hurtled towards the finish like a sprinter in a race. Suddenly, all the facts are revealed and Barry is exposed to a scandalous secret that exposes what happens when stars want the limelight too much and are willing to ruin lives to get it.
I've always loved William Holden in his earlier days, and it seems so sad that we see him in this film as a washed out, past his best actor compared to his suave and handsome role in 'Sunset Boulevard.'
Still, he does well with the script, manages to be fairly convincing and even tugs at the heart strings a little towards the end.
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