Sunset Boulevard

A black and white photograph featuring three individuals. The person on the left appears to be wearing a suit and hat, indicative of formal attire. The individual in the center seems to be wearing a dress with a patterned design and is adorned with bracel

“I’m ready for my close up, Mr. De Mille.” — Norma Desmond

Starring Gloria Swanson and directed by the legendary Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard is consistently celebrated as the greatest film ever made about Hollywood. An aging silent-film star who has faded into obscurity enlists a down-on-his-luck, opportunistic young screenwriter to aid her comeback. However, the two quickly careen toward madness and murder on Hollywood’s infamous Sunset Boulevard.

Sunset Boulevard screens as part of our "Costumes by Edith Head" series. Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Swank Motion Pictures.

“The film is that rare blend of pungent writing, expert acting, masterly direction and unobtrusively artistic photography which quickly casts a spell over an audience and holds it enthralled to a shattering climax.” — The New York Times