Any biographical documentary that wheels on La Streisand as the first witness to genius is hardly likely to be profoundly critical or analytical, and this film rarely rises above the factual and sycophantic. That said, it's a watchable enough account of the career of one of Hollywood's most craftsmanlike directors, and with testimonies from Bette Davis, Billy Wilder, Lillian Hellman et al, does occasionally come up with unfamiliar information. Wyler's own contributions (recorded three days before his death) reveal a likeable, intelligent man. And the clips - from his debut A feature Counsellor-at-Law, through Goldwyn classics like Wuthering Heights, The Letter and The Best Years of Our Lives, to the final mess of Funny Girl, are well chosen.
Directed by William Wyler
Cast and crew
|Screenwriter:||A Scott Berg narration|
Harry S Murphy