Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool (2017), directed by Paul McGuigan

When fading movie star Gloria Grahame was appearing on the stage in 1970s London she took up with aspiring actor Peter Turner. Based on Turner’s memoir, the story offers a delightful reversal of the usual trope of older man and ingénue. Presumably intended as a vehicle for Annette Bening, she turns in her usual accomplished performance but is more than matched by Jamie Bell as the young lover. Bening perfectly captures the fading glamour of a former Hollywood femme fatale, while Bell is totally convincing as the down to earth lad who is enchanted with her. Funny, sad and moving, the film is a small sweet pleasure for its sincere tale and appealing performances.