I stayed away from this movie because generally it is considered a terrible movie that is so bad that it is funny. In fact, I think the film is engrossing and quite well made. It is not quite as good as Robson's "Peyton Place," but not too far from it.
I think most people now agree that the early critics were wrong about the performances, Susan Hayward is sufficiently Betty Davis-like cunning, Barbara Parkins is innocently sexy, and Sharon Tate is charming and radiant. The controversy, I think, still centers around Patty Duke's performance. The criticism is that it is "over the top". However, she is supposed to be addicted to drugs, so the "over the top" performance is quite appropriate. If you have ever known people in that condition, you will realize that they act in exactly that style. As often happens, people cannot distinguish between the role and the actress. That is actually a sign of good acting. While it is not an Oscar worthy performance, it is quite competent. I think it is really a shame that her association with the movie ultimately hurt her movie career. We should remember that it was the biggest grossing movie of 1967, grossing more than "The Graduate" and "Bonnie and Clyde" Obviously, people could not have found Duke's performance that bad or the movie couldn't have been so successful.
Incidentally, I think the studio made a terrible mistake by firing Judy Garland. Apparently, the first scene she shot did not go well, but this is normal for a film. It takes a while for an actor to get into a role. The studio should really have showed some respect for her talent and at least filmed a few more scenes before making a decision. Studios were experiencing lots of financial difficulties at this time, so I think that caused some unfounded fears that the film wouldn't recoup its cost if it had to spend a few days re-shooting a few scenes. Judy should not be blamed for bad studio decisions regarding her.
I hope people will stop putting this film on their "so bad, it's funny" list and recognize it as an enjoyable and well told 1960's story about the light and dark sides of life in Hollywood. Like "The Betsy" or "Inside Daisy Clover," it is well made and fun film with some powerful scenes and performances.
