Occasionally, there is a special screening of the classic film - "Sunset Blvd" - at one of the revival houses around town.
Take in a screening, if you can.
Directed by legendary film director Billy Wilder, the intriguing tale is about a reclusive screen siren plotting her return to the Silver Screen, and a down-'n-out screenwriter who falls under her magnetic spell.
The name of the main character (Norma Desmond) is believed to have been inspired by that of real-life actor William Desmond Taylor who was murdered in 1922.
Film actress, Mabel Normand - a close friend - was involved in the scandal which ruined her career.
Shortly after the film wrapped, a private screening was held for the "suits", and an elite circle of celebrated guests under contract with the studios.
When the screen faded to black, Barbara Stanwyck allegedly bowed and kissed the hem of Gloria Swanson's skirt, she was so taken with her performance.
In contrast, Mary Pickford supposedly dashed off - unable to participate in the celebrations afterward - because she was "too overcome" with emotion.
Unfortunately, not all the reviews were glowing.
"You have disgraced the industry that made and fed you. You should be tarred and feathered and run out of Hollywood," lamented an irate Louis B. Mayer.
In spite of Mayer's tirade, the captivating drama was widely-praised by critics.
"The picture will keep spectators spellbound," hailed Box Office Review, a leading periodical of the era.
Meanwhile, James Agee (a reviewer at "Sight and Sound") praised the film and summed up the ambitious project best when he wryly commented,
"Wilder and Brackett were beautifully equipped to do the cold, exact, adroit, sardonic job they have done."
A real zinger - my favorite - appeared in an issue of TIME.
"Hollywood at its worst told by Hollywood at its best".
The U.S. Library of Congress exalted,
"Culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."
Although "Sunset Boulevard" was nominated for Eleven Academy Awards, only three of the prized Gold Statuettes managed to elude the other nominees.
In 1988, the American Film Institute ranked the potboiler number twelve on the prestigious list of the one hundred best American films of all time.
Understandably, "Sunset Blvd" was included in the first group of films to be preserved in the National Film Registry.
In an odd twist, the drama starts out with a man dead - face down - in Desmond's swimming pool.
In spite of the challenges, Wilder was adamant that the corpse (which turned out to be that of Holden's character "Joe Gillis") be seen from the bottom of the pool.
Creating the effect was a tad tricky; at first, Wilder's team placed the camera inside a specially-crafted box which was painstakingly lowered underwater.
But, the results of those elaborate efforts were disappointing to the award-winning Director.
After a lot of toying about, the shot was finally achieved by placing a mirror on the bottom of the pool, and filming Holden's reflection from above with the distorted image of the policemen standing around the pool and forming a backdrop.
There are a number of hilarious quips in the film.
In an early scene, when Joe Gillis first recognizes Norma Desmond, he excitedly blurts out,
"You're Norma Desmond, you used to be big."
With a deadpan look on her face, she retorts,
"I am big, the pictures got small."
In another scene, when Desmond is under the impression that Joe may be involved with another woman in show business, she angrily demands,
"Who is she, a dress extra?"
The audience howls!
But, of course, the most famous line - repeated oft times over the past few decades - is uttered at the end of the film when the beleaguered star is being ushered out the front door by the Police.
As she glides into camera, she rasps,
"I'm ready for my close-up now, Mr. DeMille."
Ah, all celluloid moments should be as precious as these!
