During World War II, Wilder started directing his movies as well as writing them (with Brackett, then with I. With Brackett (and Walter Reisch) he wrote “Ninotchka” (1939), directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Greta Garbo. He was born in Austria 87 years ago and as a young man worked as a newspaper reporter before ghostwriting scripts for about 200 silent movies in Berlin. The imminent opening of Lloyd Webber’s production has re-awakened interest in the prime mover of “Sunset Boulevard.” Billy Wilder is acknowledged as the greatest living veteran among Hollywood filmmakers. 2 at the Shubert Theatre in Century City, with Glenn Close in the lead role (previews begin Nov. The next production of “Sunset Boulevard” is already fixed it is scheduled to have its U.S. “Phantom” and “Starlight” are still playing in several productions worldwide. “Cats” alone has grossed $1 billion and has been seen by 42 million people. Still, advance bookings for “Sunset Boulevard” already amount to $4.5 million, which suggests that it will follow a pattern established by Lloyd Webber musicals such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Starlight Express,” “Evita” and “Aspects of Love.” These works are generally adored by the millions who have seen them while enjoying at best faint critical praise. Previews finally start tomorrow in London, after two weeks’ delay caused by technical problems, of the most eagerly awaited stage musical in several years: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of the classic 1950 Billy Wilder film “Sunset Boulevard.” It is costing about $4.5 million to stage, and Lloyd Webber has spent twice that on buying and refurbishing the Adelphi Theatre, where it will be performed.

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