Hollywood Babylon

Kenneth Anger's book Hollywood Babylon is one hell of an expose of the early days of Hollywood sleaze even though some of it was probably embellished. However I think it cannot be denied that their were wild parties, rampant sex and despicable behaviour with all sorts of cover ups to protect the guilty.

This movie version is loosely based on the book but nowhere near as biting or entertaining. Kenneth has anger but not the wit. This is old public domain footage with some soft porn re-enactments of some sleaze from the stars of the silent screen.

The film starts brightly enough but after a while it stops mentioning the scandalous stars that misbehaved. I guess at the time some of the stars involved were still alive and the producers of the film did not want to be sued.

It is a curious film worth watching while having access to Wikipedia so you can find out more about the stars featured and what might had actually happened in their private lives. I think some of the stories seem less sordid now, even Fatty Arbuckle's use of a champagne bottle to make up for his shortcomings.