Don't let the catchpenny title (from the doorstop biography by Irving Stone) put you off - this is an extremely superior example of the Hollywood biopic, the tale of tortured painter Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh is uncannily well played by Kirk Douglas, who seems to capture the very essence of the tormented artist, though it was actually Anthony Quinn's Paul Gauguin that won the Oscar for this movie. It's lovingly crafted by brilliant director Vincente Minnelli, with superb colour and CinemaScope cinematography from Russell Harlan and the great Freddie Young - responsible for the glorious look of Lawrence of Arabia. The authentic Arles location and a fine Miklos Rozsa score are also major plus points. This intelligent, beautifully made film was never a commercial success, but it acquired a cult following, largely owing to Minnelli's colour sense and Douglas's magnificent crystalline performance.

An intense and imaginative artist, revered Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh possesses undeniable talent, but he is plagued by mental problems and frustrations with failure. Supported by his brother, Theo, the tormented Van Gogh eventually leaves Holland for France, where he meets volatile fellow painter Paul Gauguin and struggles to find greater inspiration.