THE LAST MOVIE STARS

Chapter Three – THE LEGEND OF Paul Leonard Newman
There are many famous actors, but very few have scaled the epic heights of the cinematic stratosphere like Paul Newman. With the successes of COOL HAND LUKE, HOMBRE, HARPER, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, Paul arrives at a “Beatle-like” celebrity, representing the very best of what screen acting can be. His newfound fame goes hand in hand with personal challenges that begin to erupt on the surface. Meanwhile, after Joanne’s semi-retirement for years, her career and their romance are lit anew, as they take their own money – with Paul directing Joanne – and make RACHEL, RACHEL.
It’s an early example of American independent film at its finest.

Chapter Four – PAYING THE PRICE
Be careful of what you wish for: the price of Paul’s stardom becomes more apparent. He feels a great responsibility to use his power to promote justice and becomes extremely political – campaigning for Senator McCarthy and advocating for many social causes. Joanne, similarly civic-minded, embarks on a life-long journey championing causes close to her heart. However, the family is beset with trouble as their oldest son Scott continues to act out. Joanne and Paul act together in WINNING, a huge commercial success. Soon after that highwater mark, they produce and act together in the provocative political film, WUSA, which is met with failure. Their marriage is rocked by Paul’s alcoholism and rumors of affairs. Again, Paul directs Joanne in one of her greatest performances, THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN-IN-THE-MOON MARIGOLDS… but at what cost?