Valley of the Dolls 1967
Directed by
Mark Robson
Made by
Twentieth Century Fox
Plot Summary
As Anne Welles, a recent Radcliffe graduate, steps into her role as a secretary at a theatrical agency, she becomes embroiled in the ruthless and competitive landscape of Broadway. Helen Lawson, a famed diva known for her unforgiving nature, eyes the talented newcomer Neely O’Hara with suspicion, worried that Anne’s rising star might overshadow her own. In an effort to eliminate her competition, Helen employs devious tactics, leading to Anne’s boss being pressured into having Neely withdraw from their upcoming production. This experience shatters Anne’s illusions about the industry’s darker side and highlights the harsh treatment received by aspiring talents.
Despite this disillusionment, Lyon Burke, the business associate of Anne’s boss, persuades her to remain at the agency, revealing that there is still merit in her position. Throughout her journey, Anne develops a close friendship with Neely, as well as Jennifer North, an ambitious chorus girl who often falls for the wrong type of men. Together, the trio shares a profound bond, understanding the trials and temptations that accompany the pursuit of fame.
As Neely’s rise in the spotlight escalates, it is marked by a series of questionable choices, including her decision to move to Hollywood for a promising film career. Sadly, her increasing reliance on substances takes a toll on her relationships, resulting in failed marriages and a chaotic personal life.
In the midst of Neely’s turbulent journey, Anne faces pivotal moments in her own professional and personal life. A serendipitous meeting with Kevin Gillmore, a charismatic client of Lyon, sparks a romantic interest that ultimately fizzles out when Anne acknowledges their lack of compatibility. At the same time, Jennifer’s plunge into Hollywood’s murky depths unveils heartbreaking truths about her husband Tony Polar and his undisclosed health issues.
As the narrative progresses, tragedy strikes with Jennifer’s devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. Tormented by the belief that her physical form is her only asset, she makes the heartbreaking decision to end her life rather than undergo a mastectomy. This harrowing event serves as a stark reminder of the price of fame and the fragility of human existence.
As Neely’s struggles with addiction come to a head, she finds herself admitted to the very same sanitarium as Tony. A fortuitous meeting rekindles musical memories as Neely breaks into song in the shared space, prompting Tony to harmonize with her. After Neely’s release, Lyon manages to secure her a coveted position on Broadway, where she quickly becomes the center of attention, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Her entanglement with Lyon reaches dramatic heights at a press event for Helen Lawson, culminating in a memorable confrontation in the women’s restroom, where Neely tears off Helen’s wig and flushes it away. In the aftermath, Lyon ends their relationship when Neely’s addiction spirals out of control, opting to seek comfort in her understudy instead.
Left to deal with her crushing responsibilities, Neely finds herself alone, sobbing in an empty alley as reality settles in during a lonely night. Meanwhile, Anne grapples with Lyon’s betrayal, resorting to risky self-soothing habits that jeopardize her very life. A dangerous encounter with drugs nearly costs her everything when she nearly drowns while high at sea. In search of solace from her ruined relationships, Anne retreats to her New England roots, receiving care from her Aunt Amy. Though Lyon eventually tracks her down, entreating her for another chance, Anne firmly chooses independence and solitude—a choice that ultimately liberates her.
Timeline
Anne's Arrival at the Theatrical Agency
Anne Welles, freshly graduated from Radcliffe, begins her journey as a secretary at a prestigious theatrical agency. This pivotal moment introduces her to the cutthroat world of Broadway, marking her entry into the high-stakes environment of show business.
Helen Lawson's Jealousy
Famed diva Helen Lawson immediately notices Anne's potential and views her as a threat to her own status. Helen's jealous nature prompts her to take decisive and ruthless actions against Anne, establishing the competitive atmosphere that defines their interactions.
Pressure on Neely O'Hara
In a bid to eliminate competition, Helen pressurizes Anne's boss to convince Neely O'Hara to withdraw from their upcoming production. This manipulative act emphasizes the dark undercurrents of the industry and shakes Anne’s initial illusions of glamour and camaraderie.
Lyon's Encouragement
Despite the overshadowing negativity, Lyon Burke, a business associate of Anne's boss, persuades her to remain in her position. He instills in her a sense of purpose and underscores the valuable opportunities that lie ahead in the theater world.
Forming Friendships
During her time at the agency, Anne forms deep friendships with Neely O'Hara and Jennifer North. The trio collectively endures the grueling trials of their aspirations, providing each other with the emotional support necessary to navigate the turbulence of their pursuits.
Neely's Hollywood Ambitions
Neely's career takes a pivotal turn as she decides to move to Hollywood for a promising film opportunity. However, this transition soon leads her down a path of questionable choices and increased dependence on substances that complicate her life further.
The Unraveling of Neely's Relationships
As Neely's personal life spirals out of control, her marriages begin to fail alongside her addiction struggles. This tumultuous chapter highlights the heavy toll of fame and the strain it places upon personal relationships, exacerbated by her choices.
Jennifer's Devastating Diagnosis
Jennifer North faces the life-altering news of her breast cancer diagnosis, leading her to confront the harsh realities of her appearance-driven career. Believing her worth lies solely in her beauty, she tragically decides against treatment and opts for suicide instead.
Neely and Tony's Fortuitous Meeting
Neely's journey leads her to a sanitarium where she unexpectedly encounters Tony, Jennifer's husband. The reunion evokes nostalgic memories, resulting in an impromptu duet that momentarily lifts their spirits amid the bleak reality of their situations.
Neely's Broadway Comeback
After her release from the sanitarium, Lyon secures Neely a coveted spot on Broadway. However, her return is fraught with turmoil as she struggles with newfound fame, leading to a public spectacle that invites both admiration and concern.
The Confrontation with Helen Lawson
A dramatic press event culminates in a fierce confrontation between Neely and Helen Lawson. In a fit of rage, Neely tears off Helen's wig and flushes it away in a restroom, symbolizing her rebellion against the established norms and the excesses of their rivalry.
Lyon Ends His Relationship with Neely
As Neely's addiction continues to spiral, Lyon makes the difficult decision to end their relationship. His choice reflects a heartbreaking recognition of Neely's deteriorating condition, leading her to seek solace in her understudy's companionship.
Anne's Night of Despair
Haunted by her experiences and Lyon's betrayal, Anne finds herself alone and overwhelmed with despair. In a moment of reckless abandon, she nearly drowns at sea during a drug-fueled escapade that starkly illustrates the depths of her pain.
Retreat to New England
Seeking solace, Anne retreats to her roots in New England, where she is cared for by her Aunt Amy. This escape allows her to regain some perspective and confront the chaos of her life away from the bright lights of Broadway.
Anne Chooses Independence
When Lyon tracks Anne down and requests another chance, she resolutely chooses independence instead. This decision marks a significant turning point, signifying her liberation from toxic relationships and her determination to forge her own path.
Characters
Anne Welles
Anne is a recent college graduate who naively enters the Broadway scene, drawn to its promise of success and fulfillment. Her character evolves as she faces the industry's harsh realities, forcing her to re-evaluate her goals and relationships. Despite the tribulations, her journey emphasizes resilience and self-discovery.
Neely O'Hara
Neely is a talented yet troubled performer whose rise to fame is marred by substance abuse and personal turmoil. Her character depicts the struggle between ambition and the overwhelming pressures that come with it, showcasing her multifaceted nature as both a star and a victim of her circumstances. Neely’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of fame.
Jennifer North
Jennifer is an ambitious chorus girl who embodies the pitfalls of chasing love and fame. Her character experiences heartbreak and tragedy, ultimately revealing the dark truths hidden beneath Hollywood's glamorous facade. Jennifer’s story arc amplifies the theme of sacrifice and the harsh realities faced by women in the pursuit of success.
Helen Lawson
Helen is a seasoned diva, emblematic of the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. Her fierce demeanor and jealousy toward newcomers illustrate the competitive struggle for relevance in a world that values youth and beauty. As an antagonist, she drives key conflicts, emphasizing the lengths some will go to protect their status.
Setting
Time period
The film reflects the changing attitudes towards fame, addiction, and the human experience during the mid-20th century. This period saw the rise of both Broadway and Hollywood as dominant cultural forces, pushing individuals to pursue success at potentially devastating costs.
Location
New York City, Hollywood, New England
The movie predominantly takes place in the bustling environment of New York City, a hub for aspiring actors and theatrical talents. Hollywood serves as a backdrop for Neely's turbulent journey in film, symbolizing the glitz and glamour entwined with perilous temptations. New England is featured as a refuge for Anne, representing a return to simplicity and familial support amidst the chaos.
Themes
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Fame
The pursuit of fame is central to the narrative, illustrating both its allure and the personal toll it demands. Characters grapple with their aspirations, revealing the darker side of celebrity culture where ambition can lead to addiction and despair. The story highlights the precarious balance between desire for recognition and the protection of one's mental well-being.
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Friendship
Friendship among the main characters serves as a source of strength amidst the pressures of their careers. The bonds they develop showcase the importance of support in navigating the complex and often ruthless entertainment industry. However, even these relationships are tested as personal challenges arise, reflecting the fragility of human connections.
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Tragedy
Tragedy looms large in the story, manifesting through the characters' struggles with addiction, health crises, and the consequences of fame. Jennifer’s heartbreaking decision poses a profound commentary on the value society places on beauty and public image, juxtaposed with the emotional toll it exacts on individuals. This theme serves as a somber reminder of life's fleeting nature.
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