The University of Vemont Libraries: Bailey/Howe Library

Sunset Boulevard

DVD 3688

I watched Sunset Boulevard over a year ago. It’s still fresh in my mind as one of the best movies I’ve seen. There are a few scenes in particular I remember, the same few everyone knows: Gloria Swanson (as Norma Desmond) dramatically and deliriously descending the staircase, announcing she is ready for her close-up. Plus, I vividly recall William Holden floating face down in the pool, and the scenes shot on the lots at the Hollywood studios. But it’s really the atmosphere that sticks, the spooky, shadowed, faded Hollywood noir that director Billy Wilder and Co. present. The movie is a classic but it feels modern. In screenwriting class I remember wishing I could write a script as cleanly as Sunset Boulevard. I will never be able to, but at least I can watch this movie over and over and pretend I could. As Norma Desmond said, “No one ever leaves a star.” Sunset Boulevard will not be leaving my memory anytime soon. And if anyone can name Norma’s car in the movie (including the model) without looking it up, I will give him or her three dollars.

-Elias Baldwin

Persistent Link:

http://voyager.uvm.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1459903

Due to popular demand, we have discontinued our long-standing practice of providing paper due date slips when you check out books and media items.  Our new paperless receipt system is designed to save you time as well as reduce paper waste and give the environment a break.

From now on whenever you check out books at Bailey/Howe Library you will be sent an email the next morning that reminds you which items you borrowed and what their due dates will be.  That message will also remind you where you can go online to see a list of all of the books you have checked out and when they are due.  Because media items circulate for a very short time period you will not receive an email reminder for the media items you borrow.

Please let us know what you think of this new initiative by writing Aaron Nichols, Access/Media Services Librarian at aaron.nichols@uvm.edu