Watch The Hollywood Collection: Robert Mitchum - The Reluctant Star

The Hollywood Collection: Robert Mitchum - The Reluctant Star is a biographical documentary about the life and career of the late actor Robert Mitchum. The film takes us on a journey through Mitchum's life, spanning from his childhood in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to his rise to fame as one of Hollywood's most iconic leading men. Narrated by Polly Bergen, who co-starred with Mitchum in Cape Fear, the film features interviews with Mitchum's family, friends, and co-stars, including Angie Dickinson, Jane Russell, and Anthony Caruso. Through these interviews, we learn about Mitchum's early years, his experiences as a young actor in New York and Hollywood, and his turbulent personal life.

One of the film's main themes is Mitchum's reluctance to embrace stardom. Despite his good looks and undeniable talent, Mitchum was never comfortable with the Hollywood lifestyle or the attention that came with it. He was content to do his job, collect his paycheck, and go home. As one interviewee remarks, "He didn't care about the fame, the power, or the money. He just wanted to act."

The film also explores Mitchum's varied filmography, which included everything from film noir classics like Out of the Past and The Night of the Hunter to big-budget epics like The Longest Day and The Winds of War. Though he often played tough guys and antiheroes, Mitchum's performances were always nuanced and layered, and he was equally adept at drama and comedy.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of Mitchum's persona both on and off screen. He was known for his laconic style of acting, his gravelly voice, and his devil-may-care attitude. He was also infamous for his hard-partying lifestyle, which led to several run-ins with the law over the years.

Despite his reluctance to embrace the trappings of stardom, Mitchum undoubtedly left his mark on Hollywood. He was one of the most iconic actors of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors today.

Overall, The Hollywood Collection: Robert Mitchum - The Reluctant Star is an insightful and engaging tribute to one of Hollywood's most enigmatic and enduring stars. Through interviews, film clips, and photographs, we get a comprehensive picture of Mitchum's life and career, and we come away with a renewed appreciation for his talent and his legacy.

The Hollywood Collection: Robert Mitchum - The Reluctant Star is a 1991 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.