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The Star

Play trailer Poster for The Star 1952 1h 29m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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25% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Oscar-winning actress Margaret Elliot is well past her prime but refuses to retire from the acting business. Despite entreaties from both her daughter, Gretchen, and one-time professional colleague Jim Johannsen, Margaret remains convinced that she can regain her former glory. As she sets her sights on a coveted Hollywood role, Johannsen tries doggedly to get his unrequited love to see the folly of her ways.
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The Star

Critics Reviews

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James Morgan Sight & Sound Aug 31, 2020
It is well worth seeing not only for what it might have been but for the star; this actress of wonderful temperament and precision creates a vivid, genuine figure, alternately pathetic and exasperating, gay and decrepit, vain, impossible and defenceless. Go to Full Review Bob Thomas Associated Press Jul 24, 2019
The Star is a wonderful tour de force for Bette Davis. Go to Full Review Dan Callahan Slant Magazine Jun 7, 2005
2/4
A threadbare, bargain-basement Sunset Boulevard. Go to Full Review Nell Dodson Russell Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Dec 16, 2021
This serving of superlative dramatic film com will be received with gasps of admiration from the legion of Davis fans although there certainly isn't much else worthy of mention when Miss isn't switching her torso around before the camera. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Aug 9, 2010
C
Bette Davis received her ninth Oscar nomiation for this formulatic melodrama about a fading, alcoholic movie star, saved by the help of a young actor (Sterling Hayden). Go to Full Review Walter Chaw Film Freak Central Jul 25, 2007
1/4
Nearly washed-up Davis essaying completely washed-up Davis. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bookies B @BookiesBeat Jan 9, 2026 There are a lot of moments where one must suspend their disbelief. Bette Davis is supposed to be appealing to Sterling Hayden, but he looks at her as though he wishes he was on that boat far, far away. Davis is constantly whining and complaining, so much so that she didn't have time to find the redeeming qualities. Bolt the door. Hayden, bolt the door! See more Jacob B @RT48293763 Sep 8, 2025 Carrie Fisher once said on TCM that “not all old movies are classics. Sometimes they’re just old movies”. She was right. This is one is an embarrassment for all involved, especially Bette Davis—even more so considering that the phenomenal “All About Eve” preceded this. Terrible overacting, laughably melodramatic dialogue and a story that reminds you all too much of the far superior “Eve”. Classic film fans: skip it! See more Julian S @akajulianscott Nov 18, 2024 It has the feel of a quasi-sequel to ALL ABOUT EVE and perhaps would have been more successful if it had been. See more Scott W @RT82365565 Mar 23, 2021 Great cast ! Always like Bette Davis after ; All About Eve. She's very good here also See more steve d @RT35616104 Jul 21, 2020 There is not much to it, and the acting is just ok. See more Jul 4, 2020 Great cast. Always liked Bette Davis after the movie; All About Eve . She's very good here also See more Read all reviews
The Star

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Cast & Crew

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Stuart Heisler

Director

Bette Davis

Margaret Elliot

Sterling Hayden

Jim Johannsen

Natalie Wood

Gretchen

Warner Anderson

Harry Stone

Minor Watson

Joe Morrison

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The Star

The Star (1952) The Star (1952) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Oscar-winning actress Margaret Elliot is well past her prime but refuses to retire from the acting business. Despite entreaties from both her daughter, Gretchen, and one-time professional colleague Jim Johannsen, Margaret remains convinced that she can regain her former glory. As she sets her sights on a coveted Hollywood role, Johannsen tries doggedly to get his unrequited love to see the folly of her ways.
Director
Stuart Heisler
Producer
Bert E. Friedlob
Screenwriter
Dale Eunson, Katherine Albert
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Bert E. Friedlob Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 1952, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2012
Runtime
1h 29m
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