Watch Jeanne Eagels

Jeanne Eagels is a 1957 film based on the life of the famed stage actress, Jeanne Eagels. The film is directed by George Sidney and stars Kim Novak in the titular role, along with Jeff Chandler and Agnes Moorehead. The movie follows the life and career of Jeanne Eagels, a famous Broadway actress in the early 20th century. It begins with her humble beginnings in Kansas City, Missouri, where she works as a cigarette girl at a local theater. Eagels has dreams of becoming an actress, and she eventually makes her way to New York City to pursue her passion.

Once in New York, Eagels struggles to make a name for herself, but her talent and determination eventually catch the attention of theater manager, Sal Satori (Jeff Chandler). With his help, Eagels steadily rises to fame and becomes a Broadway sensation, known for her powerful performances and emotional depth.

Despite her success, Eagels struggles with addiction and personal demons, which threaten to unravel her career and personal life. The film explores her tumultuous relationships with men, including her volatile affair with Satori, as well as her troubled childhood and family dynamics.

Throughout the film, Novak delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Eagels, capturing the complexities of her character and the range of emotions she experiences throughout her life. Chandler also delivers a strong performance as Sal Satori, a difficult and at times controlling figure in Eagels' life.

One highlight of the film is the depiction of Eagels' performances on stage, particularly her iconic portrayal of Sadie Thompson in the play "Rain." These scenes are beautifully shot and wonderfully staged, capturing the energy and excitement of live theater.

Another standout is Agnes Moorehead's performance as Eagels' mother, who has a complicated relationship with her daughter and is plagued by her own personal demons. Moorehead brings depth and nuance to the character, highlighting the complexities of the mother-daughter dynamic.

Overall, Jeanne Eagels is a well-crafted and engaging biopic that offers a compelling look at the life and career of an iconic Broadway actress. The film is boosted by strong performances from its talented cast and excellent direction by George Sidney.

Jeanne Eagels is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.