Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

“Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” is the story of the last years of film star Gloria Grahame (an actress who played in many B movies in the 1950’s), Ably portrayed by Annette Bening as the aging lady of film, she is supported by Jamie Bell whose character in the film is named Peter Turner, the writer of the memoir upon whom the screenplay was based. Directed by Paul McGuigan, this is a film that gives Ms. Bening a wonderful showcase for her tremendous talent. It is difficult to judge the story when it is based on what actually occurred in real life so we accept the shortcomings as well as the positives because, simply stated, that was the way it happened. I give the film 2 and ½ stars with a special nod to both Mr.Bell and Ms Bening for performances well worth noting.