Robert Evans
The year was 1972, and, even by dazzling Hollywood standards, "The Godfather" premiere was a superstar-studded event. Robert Evans, was at the top of his game. He was 41 years old, the chief of Paramount Studios, had the love of Hollywood’s leading lady, Ali MacGraw, and the respect of statesmen like Henry Kissinger.
Evans' incredible life was already a best selling book. In "The Kid Stays in the Picture," Evans reveals how he discovered Jack Nicholson working as an extra and cast him in Barbara Streisand's "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" and the day he told a heavily bearded John Travolta, who was trying to hide a scratch on his face, he had to shave to be an urban cowboy.
But now his book has been made into a sizzling documentary. Evans' life plays out like a Greek tragedy - from actor to studio boss and then in 1980, a cocaine bust. Evans says, "Did I fall from grace? I didn't fall, I dived. The higher you climb the mountain, the steeper the dive."
Overnight Evans went from the toast of Tinseltown to tabloid headliner. Evans didn't go to jail, but for years, as they say, he couldn't get arrested in Hollywood. Now at 71, he's back producing films like "Jade" and "The Saint," but he's never matched his Midas touch from the 70's. Still, Evans is philosophical about his wild roller coaster ride. He says, "My greatest achievement is staying alive and it ain't been easy."
|
