A silver screen gem about an aging silent-film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity and enlists a down-on-his-luck, opportunistic young screenwriter to aid her comeback, but her maniacal ego turns the challenge into an uphill battle. Starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich von Stroheim; directed by Billy Wilder.  

Screened at Taliesin in 1951 

Director: Billy Wilder
Production Year: 1950
Rating: TV-PG
Runtime: 110 minutes

Doors open at 6:00 PM. The film will start promptly at 7:00 PM. 

This film is presented in partnership with the River Valley Film Club

Accessibility Information  

Taliesin Hillside Theater has limited ADA seating availability. If you have any specific needs, please contact us in advance at programs@taliesinpreservation.org. Taliesin events take place on the historic estate and include walking outside on uneven terrain and gravel walkways and often include stairs with no handrails. 
 
New in 2026, Hillside Theater is equipped with an Auracast BluetoothLE assistive listening system. 
 
If you or someone in your party would like information about accessibility, mobility access, or assistive listening features at Hillside Theater, please review our accessibility document. 

About Taliesin Preservation

VISION
Taliesin is acknowledged as the embodiment of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's commitment to the creation of exceptional environments that harmonize architecture, art, culture, and the land.

MISSION
As stewards, Taliesin Preservation's mission is to preserve the cultural, built, and natural environments that comprise the Taliesin property and to conduct public educational and cultural programming that provides a greater understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and ideas

Photo Waiver 

Photography, videography, and audio recording are not allowed during the program. Photography and short-form videos up to 30 seconds, without archival footage and for personal use only, are allowed before and after the program. Equipment, such as tripods and selfie sticks, is not permitted. No other reproductions may be created for commercial use in any way without the express, written consent of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. 
 
While on the property, you may be photographed or videotaped for use by Taliesin Preservation or the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree that Taliesin Preservation has full permission to use your photograph, or likeness, for any promotional purposes that they deem appropriate. These purposes may be for internal or external use and may include collateral materials, newsletters, advertising, marketing, publicity, or other uses.

Cancellation Policy

Taliesin programs are non-refundable. With 24-hours notice, we can provide a credit for the value of the event, excluding fees, or transfer your ticket to another person at no additional cost. In the unfortunate event that Taliesin Preservation cancels the event, guests will be notified in advance and offered a credit or full refund to the original payment method. Taliesin is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and all ticket sales support our mission to preserve its cultural, built, and natural environments.