The Goddess (1958)

Kim Stanley gives a brilliant performance as a very lonely woman who has never been loved and who tries to find love in becoming a superstar movie actress. She portrays loneliness so well, I wonder what her life was like. If you are a Marilyn Monroe fan, you will want to see this. I couldn’t help but think of her when I watched it. I am a very lonely person raised by a similar woman and there are scenes where she verbalizes what I feel. Her panic attacks, her loneliness that causes her to try to find anyone to fill her emptiness. And the realization that she will never know what love is. I so relate to it. Anyone who has had very little love in their life will relate to this movie. Highly recommend it. By the way I couldn’t find this film in video or DVD for years.

It was because of Kim Stanley's performance in "The Goddess" that Iwrote the biography -"Mad As Hell - The Life and Work of PaddyChayefsky," in which the genesis and production of the film isdiscussed by those who were closely involved. The leading role wasnot only based on Marilyn Monroe, Paddy sent her the script, and shewanted to do the film. Before her husband, Arthur Miller, changed hermind and threatened to sue if it was made. Paddy, as co-producer,proceeded as planned. Piper Laurie auditioned and was consideredfor the role, but Chayefsky wanted Kim Stanley. Both she and he broughttheir own rather large degree of control and genius to the production,which its unique co-stars, Betty Lou Holland and Steve Hill. shared withme, along with theproducer Milton Perlman and a few of the key others.During the editing, Paddy, by studio pressure, cut a large chunk ofStanley's performance. But what remained was by far the most explosiveand shattering portrayal ever seen on the silver screen. The script, acover feature in "Esquire" magazine, was nominated for an AcademyAward. Kim Stanley wasn't, mainly because she refused to publicizethe film. Nonetheless, it became a cult classic. especially with otheractresses, who are still amazed by the emotional force and visceralimpact of her performance. Columbia Pictures are to be commendedfor releasing it on DVD.[[ASIN:B00696KYA0 Mad As Hell - The Life and Work of Paddy Chayefsky]

A cautionary melodrama about a woman who believes the American dream created by Hollywood will solve all her emotional problems. One can easily substitute social media for Hollywood in today's "Like" driven internet culture of would be "influencers". There are some very sad and stark moments in the film, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland came to mind as I watched this. It's a straight forward film that doesn't hide what it means to chase a reality that isn't real at all.

I wanted a chance to see Kim Stanley in her prime. The Goddess is it.The story is loosely based on Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately the first part requires Ms. Stanley to portray a girl of seventeen when she was in her thirties. Moving on to Hollywood she shows why she is considered an actor's actor. Her scenes with Lloyd Bridges as her athlete husband are sultry. Later her vulnerability and loneliness are tragic. This is a tale of ambition and broken dreams. Kim Stanley was the greatest actress of her times and with its flaws The Goddess gives us a chance to see her move us with an honest, emotional performance . No one ever touched Kim Stanley as an actress in her prime.

I'm sure this film was very shocking and interesting for it's day, but the story veers off into the boring self pity party that finishes it. The actors make this a must watch, but only a one time watch. The whole speech at the end about the psychiatrist saying she will never get better was the clincher of hilarity. Pass the Xanex, please! I watched it for kitsch value, but got a movie that took itself way to seriously. It was neither kitsch, or serious y today's standards, which just makes it kinda dull. Rent this one unless you collect dvds.

It was incredible to watch Kim Stanley perform. There are only three films inwhich she acted since she was primarily a Broadway Star....I recently saw another...made for television performance with Ms. Standlely...Cat on a Hot Tim Roof...with Tommy Lee Jones, Rip Torn, and Jessica Lange...INCREDIBLE.Anyone remotely interested in fine acting should view this "The Goddess". This is what it is all about.John Gregory  Goddess, the [VHS ]

The movie is tremendous but the vendor messed up the sound in his formatting to a DVD. The sound is awful in the middle of the film. Its atrocious. If you do get this movie, which you should, then get it from a dependable vendor with reputable engineering.

I really liked the movie, especially Kim Stanley's performance. Out of all the Marilyn Monroe biographical movies, this one came the closest to what I believe Miss Monroe's backround was. Switching from totally insecure and unstable to self confident and incredibly sexy could have easily brought an Oscar to Kim Stanley. I recommend it.