Swanson & von Stroheim in "Sunset Blvd." - 1950

In "Sunset Blvd." when Norma Desmond (played by Gloria Swanson) says that she was responsible for Paramount Studios staying afloat during the Silent Era, she is really referring to herself.  It was Gloria Swanson who was Paramount's biggest star during the 1920s.

Erich von Stroheim plays Max the butler in "Sunset Blvd." and was one of the major directors (also an actor) during the Silent Era.  He directed Swanson's last silent movie, "Queen Kelly" in 1929.  Ms. Swanson had him fired and effectively ended his directing career.

To see them together in 1950 in Billy Wilder's classic film about Hollywood is thus a very strange instance of art imitating life.  The old silent footage in the movie is from "Queen Kelly", put in at von Stroheim's suggestion.  It just gets stranger as it goes.

Gloria Swanson at the height of her silent film career.

A glamour shot of Swanson from the same era.

Erich von Stroheim in a typical acting role in the 1920s.

"Queen Kelly" with von Stroheim (left) directing Swanson (right).

Erich von Stroheim directing his classic film, "Greed".