Harlow

Released only one month after the first version of HARLOW starring Carol Lynley, this screen biography of the popular female star of the 1930s benefits from better production values and a more talented lead actress (Baker). Unfortunately, the script, based on the best-selling biography by Irving Shulman and Arthur Landau (the starlet's former agent), is no better. An inordinate amount of time is devoted to Landau (Buttons). Lansbury and Vallone turn in competent performances As Baker's conniving mother and stepfather, but Lawford was incongruously cast. Baker is a much better Harlow than the competition's vapid Lynley; she brings a complexity and compassion to the ...