On This Day

Sunset Boulevard released

August 10th 1950

11:43 10 August 2024

The world premiere of 'Sunset Boulevard' took place at the Radio City Music Hall on this day in 1950. Billy Wilder's classic film noir starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson grossed over $1 million dollars during a seven-week run, making it one of the theater's most successful films. To help promote the picture, Swanson travelled by train across the United States, visiting 33 cities in just a few months.

The publicity ensured the movie went on to break records in major cities although it was less profitable elsewhere. 'Sunset Boulevard' made around $2.35 million at the US box office in 1950 and was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning three.