tbrittreid

Even though I did not like this film, I had no trouble sitting all the way through its DVD. This comedy/spoof might have worked if Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg had created an at least ostensibly new character, however obvious the derivation might have been, instead of adapting a long-established and serious property. They even appear to have had an underlying point to make, that no matter what resources you have available to you, putting on a mask and becoming an extra-legal crime-fighter is a stupid thing to do. Again, this doesn't work in an adaptation of a respected and straight character. As is, there are some funny bits here and there. But on top of everything else, Cameron Diaz was too old at least visibly for Casey, and Mike Axford was that character in name only. Granted, a spoof doesn't need a comedy-relief supporting character, but the editor of "The Daily Sentinel" is Gunnigan and Mike is an Irish-American reporter (regardless of whether or not he's an ex-cop and if he ever had any bodyguard duties); no need to change that at all. Poor, but not terrible.

Just for the record, deo838 is incorrect. Leonard Nimoy does in fact play just one character here, and it is Theo Van Gogh. On occasion during his eulogy for his late brother, Theo does an "impression" of Vincent, but that's exactly what it is: Nimoy playing Theo who every now and then imitates Vincent. He is also incorrect to refer to this as a filmed version separate from the stage play. This is a videotaped performance of the play as given in Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater.

Those points aside, this is indeed a very interesting program, and goes beyond just the play. Afterwards, the camera follows Nimoy backstage and into his dressing room, where he speaks to the camera, summarizing the remainder of Theo's life. Then the actor launches into a discussion of the artist, including location footage. This sequence is highly reminiscent of the episode of the Nimoy-hosted/narrated series "In Search Of..." about Vincent, and which the actor himself scripted. Fascinating from beginning to end.

My position is exactly the same as that of bsnmsn. I saw this on "The Late Show" (for me, a locally-operated movie slot following the post-prime time news), where I saw numerous great, old films. Then, years later I learned about the William Desmond Taylor murder and recognized the parallels to this movie. Just couldn't be coincidence. I think I've seen "Hollywood Story" once since then, either on local TV in the late 70s to early 80s, or on a cable channel (TBS, WGN, WOR) in the early 80s. I keep scouring the listings of Turner Classic Movies for it, but so far no luck. BTW, I gave it a 7 out of 10, dropping a little because I remember it as looking somewhat low-budget; it IS an early William Castle effort.