Hollywood: Star Treatment (1980)
**** (out of 4)
Another marvelous entry in the documentary series takes a look at how stars were treated when they were on top of the world and then when they were washed up and not needed. This episode first takes a look at Clara Bow, the "It" girl who used her sexuality on screen to become one of the biggest stars in the world only to have her career wrecked when reports of real sex in her real life hit the media. The second star looked out is John Gilbert who also found himself as one of the biggest stars in the world and his power rose even more after his films with Greta Garbo (their relationship lasted off screen as well). Gilbert would eventually have his career railroaded but as to who was to blame could lead to much debate. Some say it started after he punched Louis B. Mayer at a party but others say it was his voice, which had people laughing when talkies came into play. This episode is certainly amongst the best in the series as it did a great job at looking at two now legendary stars and hearing their rise and fall. The Bow case has always been an interesting one as it pretty much deals with hypocrites as people would pay to see her sexuality on the screen but once these same people heard she wasn't a virgin in real life they decided to rip her apart and pretty much throw her away. Even her attempted comeback was a flop and that pretty much washed her up at the age of 26. Gilbert wasn't as lucky as he's be dead at a young age due to alcohol but he's another interesting case of MGM as their "machine", which had the ability to destroy anyone, including their biggest star. Louise Brooks, Bow's supposed rival, speaks very highly of her here and Gilbert also gets a lot of support including from his ex-wife who is interviewed.