I recorded 'The Last Tycoon' (1976) off of TCM a couple of weeks ago, and finally got around to watching it. It's based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's last unfinished novel (he died of a heart attack before e could finish it), and focuses on the Golden Age of Hollywood. It was directed by Elia Kazan and produced by Sam Spiegel. It stars Robert De Niro and features Tony Curtis, Robert Mitchum, Jack Nicholson, Donald Pleasence, Jeanne Moreau, Theresa Russell and Ingrid Boulting.
DeNiro was absoultely handsome and sexy in this film, in his early 30s. He gives a haunting performance as Monroe Stahr is the young production chief and the most creative executive at one of the biggest studios. It was the third film he was in that year, along with '1900' and 'Taxi Driver'. Unfortunately, he didn't get the critical attention he deserved in the movie, nor did the movie itself. (I thought the rest of the cast was outstanding as well). His few shirtless scenes are worth checking out (beautiful, naturally fit chest with light chest hair).
The film was released in late fall for the 'Oscar season' on November 17, 1976 but didn't do well at the box office. (It was originally was set to be released with an R-rating, but days before it opened it was given a PH rating). It received mixed-to-negative reviews, with many critics saying there was a story in there somewhere 'but never really told '. As the weeks went on, movies with greater expectations were released closer to Christmas, including Stallone's "Rocky" and Streisand's "A Star Is Born" both which buried DeNiro at the box office. On a $5.5M budget, it took in just $1.8M at the box office. It received one Oscar nod - for set design.
If you saw the movie, what do you think ?