The Kid Stays in the Picture Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pool boy becomes a Hollywood king, snorts a lot of stuff, and then somehow… stays in the picture.

🍿 The Kid Stays in the Picture: Detailed Plot Synopsis

From Rags to Hollywood

Robert Evans’ story begins with his unexpected discovery by actress Norma Shearer at the Beverly Hills Hotel. A successful businessman in the garment industry, Evans was offered a role in a film, marking his entry into Hollywood. This stroke of luck set the stage for his improbable career.

Ascension at Paramount

Despite a brief and unremarkable acting career, Evans transitioned into producing, eventually becoming the head of Paramount Pictures at the young age of 34. With no prior producing experience, he was tasked with revitalizing the struggling studio. This period marked a turning point, demonstrating his ambition and drive.

The Golden Era

Under Evans’ leadership, Paramount experienced a remarkable resurgence, producing iconic films such as ‘Rosemary’s Baby,’ ‘Love Story,’ and ‘The Godfather.’ He fostered creative collaborations and took risks, transforming Paramount into a powerhouse in Hollywood. His ability to champion innovative projects solidified his reputation as a visionary producer.

Decline and Fall

The 1980s brought a series of personal and professional setbacks for Evans, including a failed marriage to Ali MacGraw, struggles with drug addiction, and alleged involvement in a murder scandal. These challenges led to his departure from Paramount and a period of near-obscurity. His reputation tarnished, Evans faced an uphill battle to rebuild his career.

The Comeback

Despite the obstacles, Evans demonstrated resilience and a determination to reclaim his position in Hollywood. Through sheer force of will and a bit of luck, he managed to return to producing films. He proved that the “kid” could indeed stay in the picture, cementing his legacy as a survivor and a Hollywood legend.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Evans (Robert Evans): A charismatic and ambitious Hollywood producer who narrates his own story of rising to fame, facing setbacks, and ultimately staging a comeback.
• Norma Shearer (Self(archive footage)): A screen legend who discovered Robert Evans and offered him a film role, jumpstarting his career in Hollywood.
• Ali MacGraw (Self(archive footage)): A famous actress and Robert Evans’s former wife, whose relationship and eventual departure marked a turning point in his life.
• Francis Ford Coppola (Self(archive footage)): A celebrated director who collaborated with Robert Evans on The Godfather, a defining film in both of their careers.
• Charlie Bluhdorn (Self(archive footage)): The head of Gulf+Western Corporation, which purchased Paramount Pictures, giving Evans the opportunity to lead the studio.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robert Evans: “There are three sides to every story: Your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently.” – This quote sets the stage for the subjective, personal narrative of the documentary.
• Darryl F. Zanuck: “The Kid Stays in the Picture. And anybody who doesn’t like it can quit.” – Zanuck’s famous declaration when others wanted to remove Robert Evans from ‘The Sun Also Rises’.
• Robert Evans: “Luck is when opportunity meets good preparation.” – Evans’ personal philosophy on how he achieved success in Hollywood.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $1.4M
• Worldwide Gross: $1.5M

💥 The Kid Stays in the Picture Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by Robert Evans’s story. His rise to power was fascinating, and his honesty about his struggles made him relatable. The way the filmmakers used archival footage and photos to bring his story to life was brilliant. I especially loved the scenes where they showed his Bel Air mansion; it truly represented the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Movie buffs”
  • “Fans of Hollywood history”
  • “Those interested in celebrity biographies”
  • “Documentary enthusiasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A thoughtful and intelligent profile of a man who is among the most thoughtful and intelligent producers ever to have helmed a major Hollywood studio, Robert Evans’s biography reads like the synopsis of a Harold Robbins potboiler.
• HollywoodOutbreak.com: “The Kid Stays In The Picture is the story of Robert Evans, told in Evans’ words and narrated by Evans himself. His amazing career highs and lows are detailed in fantastic cinematic fashion.
• IMDB User: “As a piece of filmmaking, `The Kid Stays in the Picture’ offers a kaleidoscopic array of stills, film clips and reenactments that reflect the temper and mood of the time. The world needs to see this documentary.

Audience Reactions

Robert Evans’ storytelling is captivating and keeps you hooked from start to finish.: Viewers admired Evans’s honesty and the film’s unique presentation style.

The behind-the-scenes look at classic films like The Godfather and Chinatown is incredibly insightful.: Fans appreciated the insider perspective on Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and visually stunning documentary offering a candid look at the life of legendary producer Robert Evans, celebrated for its storytelling and unique presentation.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The soundtrack narration is taken directly from the recording of the audio-book version of Robert Evans’ autobiography, with Evans portraying all characters, including himself.”
• “The film incorporates 1976 footage of Dustin Hoffman doing an impersonation of Robert Evans as he might be in 1996, adding a humorous, forward-looking element.”
• “Robert Evans was the first actor to ever run a film studio.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Kid Stays in the Picture?

As a documentary, ‘The Kid Stays in the Picture’ is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these and other digital retailers for rental options. Availability may vary by region, so verify before attempting to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Kid Stays in the Picture, you might like these similar films:

• Easy Riders, Raging Bulls (2003): Chronicles the same era of Hollywood, focusing on the directors and films that defined the late 60s and 70s, and the cultural shift that allowed them to rise.
• Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse (1991): Documents the chaotic and excessive production of Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Apocalypse Now,’ revealing the behind-the-scenes struggles and ego clashes that mirrored the film’s themes.
• Entourage (2015): A glimpse inside the life in Hollywood, as a movie star and his childhood friends struggle to manage his career and navigate the excesses of the industry.

🛒 The Kid Stays in the Picture Related Products

• The Kid Stays in the Picture: A Life in Five Acts: Robert Evans’s autobiography, a raw and unfiltered account of his life in Hollywood, offering deeper insights into the stories told in the documentary. Experience the full, uncensored version of his incredible journey. Available in hardcover, paperback and audiobook formats.
• The Godfather DVD Collection: Own a piece of Robert Evans’s legacy with the complete Godfather trilogy on DVD. Experience the classic saga he championed, filled with unforgettable performances and timeless storytelling. A must-have for any film enthusiast.
• Chinatown Blu-Ray: Experience Roman Polanski’s masterpiece Chinatown on Blu-Ray, a neo-noir classic produced by Robert Evans. Dive into the visually stunning and suspenseful world with enhanced picture and sound quality. See for yourself one of the best mystery movies ever made.
• Robert Evans T-Shirt: Show your love for the legendary producer with this unique t-shirt. Featuring a memorable quote or iconic image of Robert Evans, it’s the perfect way to express your appreciation for his contributions to cinema and his undeniable swagger. Available in various sizes and styles.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Kid Stays in the Picture features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sin Titulo” – performed by Chico O’Farrill
• “What’ll I Do” – performed by Irving Berlin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Kid Stays In The Picture – Mia Farrow, Sinatra y Polanski

Ever wondered about the real life of a Hollywood mogul? This short clip gives you a peek into Robert Evans’ world, showing him interacting with some major players. It’s pretty wild to see these iconic figures together!

✨ Rate