Lights

Iconic, darkly comedic, and thrilling, the three-time Oscar® winning SUNSET BOULEVARD celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Fame isn’t forever—just ask Norma Desmond. Once a Hollywood legend, now a forgotten relic, she refuses to fade away. When struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis stumbles into her decaying mansion, he becomes trapped in her web of obsession, control, and delusion. What starts as an opportunity soon spirals into something far more dangerous. Dark, twisted, and eerily relevant, SUNSET BOULEVARD is a haunting look at Hollywood’s unrelenting cycle—where youth is currency, talent is fleeting, and no one stays in the spotlight forever.  Are you ready for your close-up?

Image credits: Paramount Pictures

Did you know?

  • The photos of the young Norma Desmond that decorate the house are all genuine publicity photos from Gloria Swanson’s heyday.
  • For some scenes, cinematographer John F. Seitz would sprinkle dust into the air so it could be caught by the lights and create a moody effect.
  • Originally, director Billy Wilder wanted both of Hollywood’s top gossip columnists–Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons–reporting from Norma’s mansion at the end and fighting over the phone. Realizing that former actress Hopper would easily dominate the scene, Parsons declined, even though she and Wilder were friends.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The Paramount Theater is pleased to bring diverse programming to the stage and screen. The Theater does not provide advisories about subject matter for events, as sensitivities vary. Not all events may appeal to, or be appropriate for, every person. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows offered in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In addition to show synopses, trailers, and reviews on our web events, other resources about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches. For further questions, please contact the Box Office at 434.979.1333 or at boxoffice@theparamount.net, 10AM-2PM Monday-Friday + 1 hour before events.