Becoming Carole Lombard
Genre: Biography/Drama/Comedy
Director: Greta Gerwig
Writer: Ben Collins
Cast: Lili Reinhart, Luke Evans, Andrew Scott, Catherine Keener, Jason Sudeikis, Tanner Buchanan, Rupert Friend, Simon Helberg, Millie Brady
Plot: In 1927 Los Angeles, young and ambitious Carole Lombard (Lili Reinhart) dreams of becoming a big movie star. After terminating her contract with Fox, she signs up for a Charleston contest at the famed Coconut Grove nightclub, hoping to catch some producer's attention. Among the audience is the Mack Sennett (Jason Sudeikis), who is looking for new actresses to be included in his films. Mack is fascinated by Carole's beauty and vitality, who performs with enthusiasm and ease, despite a few wrong dance moves. He decides to approach her to offer her an opportunity, but he didn't expect to meet such a cheeky and witty girl.
The girl is nervous about losing the competition and is taking all her frustration out on another dancer and then completely changes her attitude by saying that she was joking and that she dances only for fun and without obligation. Mack approaches them taking off his hat. Carole doesn't recognize him and teases him, thinking he's one of her many suitors who approach her. Only when the other dancer whispers who he is, does Carole change her tone and agree to talk to him. Mack offers her to audition to join his Bathing Beauties, a group of comedians who appear in short sketches. Carole enthusiastically accepts, but she makes him understand that she is not satisfied with being an extra and that she has great ambitions. Mack is struck by her determination and makes an appointment for the next day. He watches her get into the taxi, convinced he's found a future star.
On the day of her audition, she tells her mother Bess (Catherine Keener) the developments in her life. Bess isn't happy, she wants to protect her daughter from more disappointments. They argue and Carol leaves slamming the door. The audition goes well despite some initial hesitations from Carol about her comedic roles. Shortly thereafter she meets a young crew member named Harry Cooper (Tanner Buchanan), who makes a good impression on her. The two make an appointment for the following afternoon to go to the cinema to go see the new film by Gloria Swanson. While watching the film, Harry does not take his eyes off Carol, who instead becomes engrossed in the story on the screen. Harry compliments her and tells her that she has the face of an angel, but she Carol thanks him coldly and tells him that she prefers to be judged on her talent. Harry asks her if she wants to be a star, but Carol replies that she only wants to make fun and light films, without taking herself too seriously. Harry doesn't understand her attitude and tells her that she is wasting her potential. Carol gets annoyed with her and tells him that he knows nothing about her and cinema.
After the movie, the two are invited to a party by a mutual friend. Carol agrees only out of politeness, but she doesn't want to be around people. Carol watches them with admiration and curiosity, but she feels out of place and bored. Harry tries to entertain her and introduces her to some friends, but she reluctantly follows him and replies in monosyllables. At one point, Carol sees Mack arrive with a blonde on his arm, one of his "Bathing Beauties. Carol feels jealous and intimidated by the blonde, who gives her a contemptuous look. Harry realizes this and tries to console her, telling her that she is much more beautiful. Carol pushes him away and tells him she doesn't need his sympathy. She tells him she wants to leave because she's tired and has a headache. Harry doesn't want to at first, but then gives in to her request.
As the car races, Harry looks at Carole with admiration and compliments her. Carole smiles and thanks, but she also seems a little embarrassed. Harry approaches her and tries to kiss her, but Carole gently pushes him away and then looks at him sternly and tells him to leave her alone and concentrate on the road. Harry gets offended and angry. He tells Carole that she is a snob and that she doesn't know how to appreciate a real man. Carole tells him that he is rude and that he wants to get out of the car. At that moment the car skids and crashes into a tree. The windshield explodes and the glass hits Carole all over her face, causing numerous bloody wounds. Harry recovers from the shock and looks at Carole , who is unconscious and covered in blood. Shortly afterwards an ambulance arrives called by some passers-by. In the ambulance she hears the doctors say that she will definitely have scars on her face
After a few months of recovering at home, Carole feels ready to return to her social and professional life. Despite her scar on her cheek, which she tries to hide with her makeup, she still feels beautiful and confident. Her passion for acting has not faded, on the contrary she has strengthened thanks to the study and practice she has done during her hospitalization. She also received support and encouragement from her friends, who made her feel their love and admiration.
One morning, Carole receives a call from Mack, who tells her that he wants to see her again and that he offers to audition again for his "Bathing Beauties". Carole is surprised and happy to hear her voice. He asks him if he remembers her and her accident that ruined her face. Sennett tells her that he remembers her very well and that the accident has not affected her beauty or her talent. He tells her that he saw something in her that stuck with him and that he has big plans for her. He tells her that he wants her to discover her comedic potential and that he has come up with some funny skits in which she could shine. He tells her to show up at his office the next day and to bring along a bathing suit. Carole accepts with enthusiasm, but also with a little fear. She wonders if she's capable of comedy or if she's just a good dramatic actress. She wonders if the public will accept her with her scar or if she will reject it but in the end she decides not to let the discouragement take hold and to take this last opportunity to launch her career.
The next day, Carole shows up for the audition in a red bathing suit and heeled sandals. She is greeted by Sennett, who compliments her and tells her she is beautiful. He briefly explains the plot of the skit to her, which takes place on a crowded beach. Carole has to play a tourist who is harassed by a group of impertinent bathers, who tease her and make advances. Carole must react with indignation and irony, trying to defend herself from their pitfalls. Carole immediately understands the comedian's tone and empathizes with her character. She enjoys improvising witty jokes and making funny expressions. The other actors follow her and tease her with various tricks. One of her steals her towel, another splashes water on her face, yet another tickles her feet with a feather. Carole laughs out loud and tries to run away, but she is surrounded by bathers who tickle her all over. The scene ends with Carole falling into the sand and being buried by the beachgoers, who leave only her head hanging out of her. The skit is a success. Everyone around Carole is amused by her comedic performance and applauds warmly. Sennett is thrilled and tells her she was amazing. He tells her that she has great comedic talent. The next day, Carole shows up for the audition in a red bathing suit and heeled sandals. She is greeted by Sennett, who compliments her and tells her she is beautiful. He briefly explains the plot of the sketch, which takes place on a crowded beach. Carole has to play a tourist who is harassed by a group of impertinent bathers, who tease her and make advances. Carole must react with indignation and irony, trying to defend herself from their pitfalls. Carole immediately understands the comedian's tone and empathizes with her character. She enjoys improvising witty jokes and making funny expressions. The other actors follow her and tease her with various tricks. One of her steals her towel, another of her splashes water on her face, yet another tickles her feet with a feather. Carole laughs out loud and tries to run away, but she is surrounded by bathers who tickle her all over. The scene ends with Carole falling into the sand and being buried by the beachgoers, who leave only her head hanging out of her. The sketch is a success. Everyone around Carole is amused by her comedic performance and applauds warmly. Sennett is thrilled with her and tells her she was amazing. Sennett tells her that she has great comedic talent and that he wants to make her a star of her comedies. He tells her that he has already thought of a nickname for her: "Carole of curves". He tells her that with that name and that physique of hers she will drive the public crazy and tells her that he will take care of diverting her attention from her scar and enhancing her physicality and her sensuality.
Carole finally feels appreciated and recognized as an actress. She agrees to sign the contract and thanks Sennett warmly. Then she Carole she leaves the studio with the contract in hand full of optimism and convinced that she has started a new life. She stops to look at the sky and takes a deep breath. She then runs home, singing a happy song.
Carole Lombard enters Mack's office with a firm step and a curious look. The office is bright and airy, filled with Sennett's movie posters and photos of the stars he's had over the years. He greets her with a smile and motions for her to sit down and hands her a letter with the Paramount Pictures logo on it. Carole opens the letter and reads the contents and is totally amazed. She rolls her eyes at Mack, who nods her head in the affirmative. He explains that Paramount wants her for a five-year contract, which offers her a good salary and the opportunity to star in more prestigious films alongside the most important stars. Carole feels her heart pounding but then her enthusiasm turns to hesitation. Of her Watch Mack of her with affection and gratitude, he was the first to believe in her, he gave her the first chance of her and taught her everything he knows about comedy. Carole starts shaking her head and hands the letter back to Mack. He understands the girl's dilemma and looks at her with understanding. He tells her that she has a natural gift for making people laugh and emotions and says that she deserves to have a brilliant career because she is a good actress. Carole is moved and smiles at him with tears in her eyes. She hugs him tightly and then walks out the door with determination. Mack watches her leave with a satisfied air and lights a cigar. At the same time we understand that he too has shining eyes.
Carole arrives at Paramount Pictures wearing an elegant gray business suit. She looks in amazement and admiration at the large gate with the Paramount logo. Walter Wanger (Rupert Friend), her Paramount producer approaches her and greets her cordially and invites her to follow him. Carole follows him with a sure step and a curious look. She enters the gate and finds herself in front of a huge magical world, full of lights, cameras, sets and actors. Carole is ecstatic and she watches everything with great curiosity, even risking tripping over a wire and dropping a camera.
Walter takes her to an office and shows her a script. He tells her that he gave her her first leading role in the movie The Streets. He tells her that her on-screen partner will be William Powell. Carole takes the script and leafs through it with emotion. After a few seconds she understands what Wanger said. Carole barely holds back her screams jumping because William Powell is her favorite actor of hers. Walter calms her by smiling at her and then takes her to another studio, where a scene from the film is being shot. Carole sees William Powell (Andrew Scott) acting with a blonde woman. Carole remains enchanted watching the scene and listening to Powell's pleasant and distinctive voice capable of expressing irony and charm. William Powell finishes the scene and turns smiling towards Walter and Carole. Walter introduces him to Carole and tells him that he will be her partner in the next film. William Powell watches Carole with interest and admiration. He holds out his hand and says something kind to her. Carole shakes his hand and says something nice. The two laugh and immediately feel attracted to each other. They exchange an intense and deep look.
Carole and William get married a few months later in an intimate and discreet ceremony. There are only a few guests, including her mother, Walter and Myrna Loy (Millie Brady). Carole is wearing a simple yet elegant white dress. William wears a sober but refined black suit. The two look into each other's eyes with love and happiness. They exchange wedding rings and kiss. Those present applaud and congratulate them. Carole and William make a happy and close-knit couple, both on screen and in life. They live in a beautiful house in Beverly Hills, where they often receive famous guests and close friends. Carole is a sunny and lively woman who loves to have fun and joke. William is an elegant and refined man who loves to read and converse. They soon realize that they are total opposites but deeply love and respect each other.
Carole and William are sitting on the couch in their living room, celebrating their second wedding anniversary. Before them is a small table with two glasses of champagne and a cake with a lit candle. They smile tenderly and affectionately, ready to kiss, but are interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. Carole gets up and answers, a friend has planned a surprise party for her and William. Carole happily accepts and goes back to William, informing him of the invitation to the party. However, William is not thrilled and Carole, noticing her expression, asks him if there is something wrong. William confesses that he would rather stay at home with her and do something more intimate and romantic, but Carole replies that it's a chance to have fun and be with her friends. William tells her that he would rather stay home with her and do something more intimate and romantic. Carole tells him she doesn't understand why he's so boring and stuffy. William tells her that he doesn't understand why she is so frivolous and superficial. Thus they begin to argue about their differences, reproaching each other for being too different to be together and saying harsh and ferocious words to each other. Suddenly, in silence, they stop and look into each other's eyes, realizing that they still love each other, but that they are no longer happy together. They embrace with sadness and resignation and, with sweetness and respect, they say goodbye.
Carole packs in the bedroom, when William enters the room looking sad but serene. He says something sweet to her and hands her a bunch of red roses. Touched, Carole looks at him with gratitude and emotion; she takes the roses, smells them and puts them on the bedside table. William tells her that he has called a taxi for her and that he will take her to the station, but Carole tells him that it is not necessary and that she can go by herself. However, William insists that he wants to accompany her and say goodbye properly, so she Carole agrees to her and smiles at him. The two take their suitcases and leave the room, go down the stairs and cross the living room, stopping in front of the entrance door. They look into each other's eyes with love and longing, they hug each other tightly and kiss each other tenderly, before letting go and heading towards the taxi waiting for them outside.They get into the taxi and sit next to each other, while the driver looks at them with curiosity and compassion. The taxi leaves and drives away from the house; Carole and William hold hands, looking out the window at their house getting smaller and smaller and fading into the horizon.
Carole is the hostess of Hollywood's most elegant party. Among the guests are the biggest movie stars, including Clark Gable (Luke Evans), the undisputed king of Hollywood. Carole and Clark had already met in 1932 on the set of "No Man of Her Own", but had not felt any mutual attraction. Now, however, things have changed, both are separated from their respective spouses and feel alone and dissatisfied. The two find themselves dancing together and a spark strikes, Clark is fascinated by Carole's beauty and bubbly personality, while Carole is attracted by Clark's charm and virility. They exchange intense and complicit smiles while the music envelops them and brings them closer. It is now dawn, Clark Gable drives his sports car with Carole next to him in deserted and silent streets. Clark suggests she come to him, but Carole jokingly refuses, telling him it's not that easy to win her over. Clark tells her that he won't give up and that he finds her irresistible. Carole tells him that she finds him very interesting too, but that he wants to take it slow. Clark asks her for at least a kiss and she agrees. They stop in front of Carole's house and kiss passionately.
Time passes, they love each other and their careers are booming.The two buy a ranch outside Los Angeles with many animals and spend all their free time together. Although everyone knows that Clark is a seducer full of women, he seems to have found stability from that point of view too, thanks to Carole.
Carole leaves the office of a trusted gynecologist. She has just received some bad news: due to a miscarriage she suffered years before, her chances of having children are very low. She is shocked and desperate. She walks towards her car, trying to hide her tears. Clark is sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper. He hears the door open and gets up to welcome Carole , who enters looking sad. He smiles at her and walks towards her, but she avoids him and heads towards her bedroom. He follows her, worried. Carole collapses onto the bed, crying. Clark sits next to her and asks her what happened. She tells him the truth: she will never be able to give him children. He hugs her and tells her that he doesn't care about her, that he loves her anyway, that she is his only family. She looks at him and tells him that she loves him, but that she feels guilty, that she would really like to be her mother. He kisses her and tells her that maybe one day they can adopt a child if she wants it. She nods and holds onto him. He strokes her hair and rocks her gently.
Carole is sitting at her coffee table, surrounded by scripts and magazines. She is carefully reading the script of “To Be or Not to Be” (1942), a satirical comedy about Nazism, directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Carole is interested in the role of Maria Tura, a famous theater actress who finds herself involved in a dangerous spy mission. Carole would like to demonstrate her versatility and talent by trying her hand at a genre other than light comedy. She had already tried a couple of times in the late 1930s but the results had been mixed. She hears the phone ring and answers it. It's Clark, he tells her that she has received an offer for the war film "Somewhere I'll find you" together with Lana Turner.
Late December 1941. Carole enters the house, angry. Clark follows her, trying to calm her down. She turns and faces him, his hands on her hips. He holds out his arms to her, her expression pleading, but she glares at him and shows him a tabloid magazine with photos of him and Lana Turner hugging and kissing. He shakes his head, with a gesture of desperation, saying that it's not true. She throws the magazine in his face and yells at her. He tries to explain himself but she doesn't listen to him and slaps him. He grabs her shoulders, and tries to kiss her but she pushes him away by cursing at him. At that point he lets go of her and drops onto the couch, with her face in his hands. Carole goes to the room, takes her suitcase and heads for the door. Before leaving she looks at him saying that she would think about what to do during the Indiana tour to sell the war bonds and they would finish the discussion when they return. She then leaves, slamming the door. He remains alone, with the magazine in his hand and throws it forcefully towards the wall.
Night of January 16, 1942. Carole Lombard, Bess, and her publicist Otto Winkler (Simon Helberg) are waiting to board TWA Flight 3 to Los Angeles. Carole just finished a propaganda tour selling war bonds in Indiana, where she raised over two million dollars. Carole is eager to return home, to see Clark again and clarify their situation. Her mother advises her to take the train because she is afraid of flying and because one of her psychics predicted that 1942 would be an unlucky year for air travel. Carole tells her that she doesn't believe in these superstitions, and that she wants to get there as soon as possible. Otto tells her that perhaps they should give up their seats to Air Force soldiers, who need to get to California. Carole objects, saying that she too is essential, and that she has the right to stay on the flight. Otto relents, and takes them on board.
Burbank Airport. Clark is standing in front of the terminal, dressed in an elegant dark suit and hat. He has a bouquet of red roses in his hand and an anxious look on his face. He looks at the watch on his wrist and then at the starry sky, hoping to see the light signal from Carole's plane. A man in uniform with a serious face approaches him and hands him a telegram. Clark opens it and reads the contents. Clark drops the telegram and the redheads and brings his hands to his face and leans forward, as if he's been punched in the stomach. The man in uniform tries to console him, but Clark pushes him away and staggers away.
Carole sits by the window, with her mother and Otto at her side. The plane has just taken off from Las Vegas airport, after a brief stop for refueling. The pilot announces that the weather is clear and that the flight will last about an hour and a half. Carole looks out the window, and sees the city lights fading into darkness. She thinks about Clark, and wonders what she will do when she sees him again. She feels confused and scared, but also hopeful and determined. She tells herself that she still loves him, and that she wants to save their marriage. While she is immersed in her thoughts she does not notice that the plane is deviating from the route and that it is getting dangerously close to a mountain. She does not hear the noise of the engine increasing nor the screams of the passengers who realize the imminent disaster.
The scene freezes. White writing appears on a black background:
“Carole Lombard died on January 16, 1942, at the age of 33, in a plane crash on Mount Potosi, Nevada. Her mother Elizabeth "Bess" Peters, her agent Otto Winkler, and 19 other passengers and crew members died with her. She was the first American celebrity to die in service during World War II. Her body was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, next to that of her father."
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