Queenie (1987)

Queenie Poster

Queenie was an ABC miniseries, adapted from the eponymous novel by Michael Korda, which is based loosely on the life of his aunt, actress Merle Oberon. A half-caste beauty emigrates from India to Great Britain, pursues fame and fortune at the cost of personal happiness, and becomes a Hollywood movie star while suppressing the truth of her heritage.

Film Overview
"Queenie" is a 1987 American two-part legendary miniseries, based upon the eponymous book by Michael Korda. Directed by Larry Peerce, this remarkable film concentrates on the profession and individual life of England native, Dawn Avalon, who dreams of Hollywood success. The story is semi-fictionalized, loosely motivated by the life of starlet Merle Oberon.

Main Plot
The film opens with Queenie, born as Dawn Avalon (Mia Sara) in India to a British father and an Indian mother. Saddled with societal constraints due to her mixed-race descent throughout England's colonial rule, Queenie resents her heritage because it impedes her method to stardom. When her moms and dads die in an accident, her only relative, aunt Lucinda (Claire Bloom), takes her to reside in England.

Naming herself "Queenie Kelly" to hide her origins, Queenie has a hard time to find acceptance due to her darker skin tone. Eventually, she lands a function in a musical and is found by Hollywood director David Konig (Kirk Douglas), who relabels her Dawn Avalon. Konig brings her to Hollywood, assists her accomplish her imagine becoming an effective film starlet, all while hiding her ethnic background.

Queenie's Journey and Relationships
The drama continues as Queenie comes to grips with her identity, personal relationships, and the cost of her popularity. Throughout her journey, she navigates fraught relationships - especially with Konig, who's not just important in her profession but also romantic with her. Their complex relationship, filled with surprise secrets, power-play, and unrequited love, forms the crux of the story.

Racial Themes
"Queenie" sheds light on the rampant bigotry present in Hollywood throughout its developmental years. It lights up the prejudices of a society that judged and classified people based on their race and color. This consistent denial and masking of her heritage become central to Queenie's character, shaping her journey and specifying her struggles.

Climax
The movie approaches its climax as Queenie, at the peak of her success, is haunted by her past. A rich Indian businessman, Prasoon (Topol), threatens to expose her real heritage. In a quote to secure her image, she should deal not only with Prasoon however likewise with a blackmailing reporter threatening to break the story.

Last Thoughts
"Queenie" is a tale of aspiration, identity, and unrequited love, grounded in a dismal truth filled with difficulties. Regardless of these obstacles, Queenie remains identified and company in her pursuit of Hollywood fame. Filled with significant ups and downs, the movie resonates with styles of racial prejudice and its negative results. It speaks truthfully about a grim aspect of Hollywood, providing insights into the discomfort withstood by lots of to attain success.

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