Watch Tales From Hollywood

Tales From Hollywood is a 1992 film directed by Howard Davies and adapted from Christopher Hampton’s collection of plays. The film stars Jeremy Irons and Elizabeth McGovern along with an ensemble cast of talented actors. It tells a series of stories of European exiles living in Hollywood during World War II. The film is set in the late 1930s and early 1940s, when the political climate was tense and the world was on the precipice of war. Many European intellectuals, artists, and writers fled their countries in order to escape the persecution of the Nazis. Most of them settled in Los Angeles, where they formed a tight-knit community and continued to work on their art in spite of the political turmoil swirling around them.

The title of the film suggests that it is a collection of tales, and indeed it is. The film is comprised of six separate stories, each of which explores a different aspect of life in Hollywood during the war. The first story is about Bertolt Brecht, the famous playwright and Marxist theorist. Irons portrays Brecht as a man who is both fascinated by Hollywood and deeply skeptical of its values. Brecht is torn between his admiration for American culture and his belief that it is fundamentally corrupt and materialistic.

The second story is about the Hungarian composer Franz Waxman, who is struggling to make a living in Hollywood despite his impressive credentials. This story is a commentary on the way that Hollywood exploits foreign talent while refusing to acknowledge their contributions. Waxman is a tragic figure who is at once celebrated and marginalized.

The third story is about the Swedish actress Greta Garbo, who is portrayed by McGovern. This story is a fictionalized account of Garbo’s relationship with her photographer, Edward Steichen. It is a quiet, meditative story that explores the nature of fame and loneliness.

The fourth story is about the playwright Lion Feuchtwanger, who has fled Germany and taken up residence in Hollywood. Feuchtwanger is another tragic figure who is forced to confront the political realities of his time. This story is a reminder that even in a place as seemingly glamorous and carefree as Hollywood, the specter of war looms large.

The fifth story is about the German director Ernst Lubitsch, who is one of the most successful filmmakers in Hollywood. The Lubitsch Touch, as it is called, refers to the unique blend of humor and sophistication that he brought to his films. This story is a tribute to Lubitsch’s legacy and a celebration of the power of cinema to transcend national boundaries.

The final story is about the Austrian writer and director Max Ophuls, who is struggling to adapt to life in Hollywood. Ophuls is a complex, multifaceted character who embodies many of the contradictions and paradoxes of Hollywood culture. This story is a fitting conclusion to the film, as it brings together many of the themes and motifs that have been explored throughout the previous stories.

Tales From Hollywood is a beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of a bygone era. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, human creativity and resilience can still thrive. The film’s ensemble cast is outstanding, especially Irons and McGovern, who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Overall, Tales From Hollywood is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of cinema or the cultural history of World War II.