Malice in Wonderland

Malice in Wonderland is a captivating biographical television movie released in 1985, featuring stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Alexander, and Richard Dysart in leading roles. Directed by Gus Trikonis and written by George Eells and Stanley R. Jaffe, it is filled with glitz, glamour, scandals, and intense rivalries synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood. The movie is a dazzling display of the tumultuous lives of two powerhouse gossip columnists of Hollywood, Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons, displaying the wide-ranging specter of power they wielded during their time.

Malice in Wonderland opens up a bygone era to audiences, showing the tantalizing underbelly of Hollywood's glittering facade, and how two women used their wit and will to control the narrative of some of the biggest names in the industry. Based on the real-life story of Hedda and Louella, the two pioneers of Hollywood gossip reporting, the movie paints a vivid picture of how the duo used their columns to either make or break the careers of many well-established and promising stars of their time.

Elizabeth Taylor stars as the flamboyant Louella Parsons. In a nuanced performance, Taylor breathes life into Louella's character, imbuing her with a volcanic temper and shrewd, relentless, business-oriented mind, making her a force to reckon with. She portrays the exclusivity and selectiveness of Louella's Hollywood invites, where a citation signaled a remarkable rise, and an omission could threaten one's career into oblivion. Louella's ambitious climb to the top of ‘the gossip ladder’, her grounded roots, and her ability to connect with the Hollywood powerbrokers, are all exquisitely captured by Taylor’s seasoned performance.

Jane Alexander, as the ambitious yet austere Hedda Hopper, provided a stark contrast to Louella's character and served as her primary rival in the movie. Aesthetically balancing Hedda's harsh exterior with a touch of vulnerability, Alexander proved why she is one of the finest actresses of her era. Hedda, considered the more vicious of the two gossip rag writers, held the power of scandal over Hollywood's head, creating juicy tales that would either end or boost a career, with the tilt of her typewriter.

Richard Dysart’s role as the manipulative California newspaper publisher, Ezra Norton, is especially noteworthy. Regarded as the puppeteer in the background, Norton played a critical role in the second-half of Louella's career after she hit her peak. Dysart performed as the ringmaster of this riveting theatrical, effectively supporting the fierceness of Louella and tempering the tenacity of Hedda Hopper.

In essence, Malice in Wonderland is an excellent exploration of the gritty power-plays that went behind the glitz of Hollywood. It does not shy away from probing the lived professional realities of its formidable female leads or revealing the areal assessment of manipulative media control. From the lavish sets to the exquisite 1940s costumes, it captures the essence of the era and transforms it into a visual feast for the audience.

This movie is not just about the lives and times of Hedda and Louella, but it also provides an inside look at the cutthroat industry they operated within, even managing to throw in a bit of black comedy. Displaying the unconditional hold these columnists had over Hollywood and how they used their influence to both aid and hinder the careers of many stars, it offers a critical commentary on the tradition of gossip journalism, reminding viewers about its consequences.

The screenplay is fast-paced, bouncing between the personal and professional lives of these women, fostering an engaging narrative that keeps the audience hooked. The intensely dramatic scenes, believable dialogues, and tension-filled scenarios make this movie a great watch for those interested in the history of Hollywood. Given the era the film covers, it also features cameo performances of several stars of the time, presenting an extensive view of the film industry during the golden age of Hollywood.

Malice in Wonderland is essentially a tasteful portrayal of a less spoken about segment of Hollywood's history. With power-packed performances and a gripping narrative, this movie should be on the watchlist of any cinephile or anyone interested in the vintage period of Hollywood's dazzling empire.