Liberace: Behind the Music

Liberace: Behind the Music is a biographical film directed by David Greene and starring Victor Garber, Saul Rubinek, and Michael Dolan. Released in 1988, the movie tells the story of Liberace, one of the most well-known and flamboyant entertainers of the 20th century.

The film begins with a young Liberace (played by Philip Casnoff) performing in a Wisconsin nightclub in the mid-1940s. He is discovered by an agent named Seymour Heller (Rubinek), who recognizes Liberace's talent and potential. Together, they embark on a career that takes them from small-time gigs to sold-out shows in Las Vegas.

As Liberace's star rises, he becomes famous for his extravagant costumes, his dazzling piano skills, and his over-the-top stage persona. He attracts a devoted following of fans, who love his music and are captivated by his larger-than-life personality.

However, behind the scenes, Liberace is hiding a secret. He is gay, but he must keep his sexuality hidden from the public and from his fans, who adore him for his wholesome, family-friendly image. This leads to a number of complicated relationships, including a passionate but tempestuous romance with Scott Thorson (Dolan), a young man who becomes Liberace's lover and live-in companion.

As Liberace's health begins to decline in the 1980s, he finds himself facing a number of personal and professional challenges. He struggles to maintain his image as a glamorous and beloved performer, even as his body begins to betray him. Meanwhile, his relationship with Scott becomes strained, and the two men find themselves locked in a bitter legal battle.

Throughout the movie, we see Liberace as a complex and multi-faceted individual. He is a talented musician, a shrewd businessman, and a charismatic performer. At the same time, he is struggling with personal demons, including his fear of being exposed as a gay man.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly Garber's portrayal of Liberace. He captures the star's flamboyance and charm, but also shows us the vulnerability and insecurity that lay beneath the surface. Dolan is also impressive as Scott, bringing a mixture of naivete and raw passion to the role.

Overall, Liberace: Behind the Music is a compelling and moving portrait of an iconic entertainer. It offers insight into both the public and private aspects of Liberace's life, and sheds light on the challenges faced by gay men in the entertainment industry during that era. While the film can be sensationalistic at times, it also has moments of real pathos and emotional depth. For fans of Liberace or anyone interested in the history of popular music, this movie is a must-see.