Watch The Hollywood Collection: William Holden - The Golden Boy

The Hollywood Collection: William Holden - The Golden Boy is a documentary film that tells the story of one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, William Holden. The film, which was released in 1989, features interviews with Holden's friends and colleagues, including Blake Edwards, Glenn Ford, and Scott Holden. It is a fascinating look at the life of a Hollywood legend.

The film begins with a brief overview of Holden's early life. He was born in Illinois in 1918 and moved to California with his family when he was a child. After graduating from high school, he worked odd jobs before he was discovered by a talent scout and signed to a contract with Paramount Pictures.

Holden's early years in Hollywood were marked by small, forgettable roles. But he quickly made a name for himself with his performance in the film Golden Boy, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He went on to star in a number of classics, including Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, and The Bridge on the River Kwai, for which he won an Academy Award.

The film delves into Holden's personal life as well, including his marriages and his struggles with alcoholism. His friends and colleagues speak candidly about his talent, his charm, and his flaws. They also talk about his love of fishing and the outdoors, which provided a much-needed escape from the pressures of Hollywood.

Director Blake Edwards, who worked with Holden on several films, describes him as a "man's man" and a "romantic." He recalls a conversation he had with Holden about love, in which Holden said, "When I see a sunset, I think of love." Edwards says that Holden's portrayal of a World War II prisoner of war in Stalag 17 was particularly powerful because he was able to convey the character's vulnerability and humanity.

Glenn Ford, who co-starred with Holden in the film The Man from Colorado, talks about their friendship and the practical jokes they played on each other. He also praises Holden's acting ability, saying that he was always "very professional, very serious."

Scott Holden, William's son, provides insight into his father's personal life. He talks about Holden's struggles with alcoholism and his regrets about his marriages. Scott also talks about his father's love of fishing and how it brought them closer together in his later years.

The Hollywood Collection: William Holden - The Golden Boy is a loving tribute to a Hollywood icon. It offers a glimpse into the life of a man who was both talented and flawed, and who left an indelible mark on the film industry. Through interviews with Holden's friends and colleagues, the film shows us a side of the actor that we might not have seen before, and leaves us with a deeper appreciation for his work and his legacy.

The Hollywood Collection: William Holden - The Golden Boy is a 2011 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 6.6.