Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable 1988
Step into the glittering yet treacherous world of Hollywood's golden past with *Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable* (1988), Michael Blakemore's sharp and stylish drama.
Director: Michael Blakemore
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable (1988) about?
The film follows Adela Shannon, a once-wealthy film star who loses everything after her husband's accidental death leaves her penniless. Desperate to reclaim her lifestyle, she turns to blackmailing her three ex-husbands using a damning memoir written by her sister.
Who directed Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable?
Michael Blakemore directed the film, bringing his keen eye for character-driven drama to this 1980s TV movie.
Who stars in Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable?
The film features Lou Jacobi and Charles Hallahan in lead roles, delivering performances steeped in the glamour and grit of old Hollywood.
Is Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable (1988) worth watching?
While it's an underrated gem from 1988, its blend of drama, sharp dialogue, and period atmosphere makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic Hollywood stories. The performances by Jacobi and Hallahan add depth to its themes of survival and deceit.
How long is Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable?
The runtime is 60 minutes, making it a concise and engaging TV movie.
About Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable (1988) — A 1930s Hollywood Drama of Blackmail and Betrayal
Step into the glittering yet treacherous world of Hollywood's golden past with *Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable* (1988), Michael Blakemore's sharp and stylish drama. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Tinseltown, the film follows Adela Shannon, a once-famous movie star whose lavish lifestyle crumbles when her husband dies in an accident. Left penniless and facing a legal battle over his will, Shannon turns to a desperate plan: blackmail her three ex-husbands using a scandalous memoir penned by her sister. With its blend of wit, glamour, and moral ambiguity, this TV movie captures the highs and lows of an era obsessed with fame and fortune.
Starring the legendary Lou Jacobi and Charles Hallahan, *Tales from the Hollywood Hills: The Old Reliable* delivers a biting commentary on the dark side of Hollywood's allure. The film's themes of betrayal, survival, and the price of ambition unfold with a mix of sophistication and grit, making it a standout among 1980s dramas. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood lore or just love a clever, character-driven story, this underrated gem offers a compelling look at the lengths people go to maintain their status—and the secrets that can unravel everything.