Behind the Candelabra

Michael Douglas does ("Lee") Liberace in this made-for-TV movie about his relationship with his hapless companion, Scott Thorson, played by Matt Damon. We get to ogle the lavish lifestyle of an icon who was "out" in plain sight, his wardrobe, his candelabra, and his baroque furnishings. In those days, fans just thought he was "artistic."

Although the wigs helped Douglas' depiction, I was more impressed by his take on that distinctive voice. And we couldn't help but feel sorry for his naïve houseboy as Liberace played Svengali, subjecting his current heartthrob to diets, pills, jewelry and plastic surgery.

Rob Lowe does a great job as the doctor who lures our gullible young chap into the prescription drug scene, while Cheyenne Jackson is very funny as the houseboy replaced by Scott Thorson.

Although Scott Bakula was listed as one of the players, I saw no evidence of Mr. B. in the story until someone explained that I had been watching Mr. Bakula but was completely fooled by his performance (and his mustache). He looked like Sonny Bono of Sonny and Cher fame. Wow!

Douglas won an 2013 Emmy for his portrayal.