Spellbound

Norman ( Fascination ) is about 50 years too late with this potboiler, which might have enjoyed some success as a B movie starring a young Bette Davis. As a contemporary novel, however, it's pretty creaky. We first meet Sebastian Locke when he's a child, attending the dress rehearsal of a production of Hedda Gabler . His mother, the legendary British actress Diana Lancaster, delivers a breathtaking performance as the lead, although she's been suffering excruciating headaches. Alas, she dies just before opening night--the first in a series of melodramatically timed demises that claim so many of the characters here. Sebastian grows into a sublimely charming adult, a founding partner in a uniquely successful actors' agency. But, unknown even to himself, Sebastian is ruled by demons, driven to violence and mayhem whenever anyone tries to stage Hedda Gabler . Enter his lovely bride, Katharine Anderson, an extravagantly gifted stage designer (the Bette Davis role). Sebastian persuades her to become an actress and helps her build a career. Can it be long before Katharine is to play Hedda? As obvious as they come, and painfully protracted. (July)