Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

In 1979, Gloria Grahame is performing the role of Sadie in 'Rain' in London. During her stay at a boarding house, she asks fellow tenant Peter Turner to practice disco dancing with her. Their flirtation begins here, and they develop a budding friendship that later turns romantic.

After sharing a viewing of the film 'Alien,' Gloria and Peter have a drink together, which marks the start of their growing friendship. Their connection deepens as they share personal conversations and moments of flirtation, despite their age difference.

In 1979, Peter visits Gloria at her Malibu trailer home, where their relationship turns romantic. Gloria's mother supports their bond, but her sister Joy is hostile and advises against marriage due to Gloria's scandalous past marriage to a much younger man.

Both Gloria and Peter reveal that they have experimented with same-sex attraction. This disclosure highlights the complexity of their relationship and the personal struggles they face amidst their romantic involvement.

In October 1981, Peter contacts Gloria’s doctor and learns that her breast cancer has relapsed after initial remission in 1975. Gloria refuses further treatment, maintaining that she will get better despite the prognosis.

Peter shares his knowledge of Gloria’s health prognosis with her, but Gloria insists she is going to recover. She continues to refuse treatment, concealing the severity of her condition from her loved ones.

In 1981, Gloria's sudden distancing from Peter occurs after she learns of her cancer's return. She asks him to leave her apartment in New York City and no longer maintains the romantic relationship, driven by her desire to hide her illness.

As her condition worsens, Gloria becomes increasingly weak. She keeps her diagnosis secret, hoping to protect Peter and her family from worry, while her cancer progresses unchecked due to her refusal of treatment.

Peter, after contacting her doctor, learns that Gloria's cancer is terminal. Despite her earlier denial, her health is in a critical state, and she prepares to face her impending death while maintaining her dignity.

Peter takes Gloria to a theatre, where they read from 'Romeo and Juliet,' symbolizing their reconciliation. Her son Timothy arrives to help care for her, and Gloria says her goodbyes, departing for the US with Peter by her side and sharing a final kiss.

The film concludes with footage of Gloria Grahame winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This moment caps her dramatic career and highlights her lasting impact on cinema, even as her life was coming to an end.