Byrdz
Sure it is set in 1953, and the details have changed, but somehow it all feels quite contemporary what with maneuvering in the stock market by way of insider information, getting ahead on the corporate ladder via blackmail, threats and general sweaty-palmed conniving. All that modern "stuff". It's got an all star 1950's cast with those fantastic sonorous voices, Walter Pigeon, Dean Jagger, William Holden, Paul Douglas, Barbara Stanwyck. Plus particularly slimy Louis Calhern and Fredric March (hiss-boo!) Shelley Winters lends a touch of glamour. Nina Foch is the picture of efficiency as the executive secretary and is actually one of the most "real" of the characters. June Allyson, as always is "long suffering" and "oh so understanding" .. ugh. Even if you are not "into" corporate workings or 50's drama, it may just catch and keep your attention because it is not clear who will actually get the job until the very end... and this ensemble cast is outstanding.
irvberg2002
As most other reviewers, I found this a delightful watch; all the actors are right on and the story is gripping. But I am amazed by the number of reviewers who labor under the notion that this is a film about "big business." Given the numbers of the shares of stock and their prices, even at 1954 rates, this is quite a small business and most of the shares are closely held (by the daughter of the founder); it's puzzling how the SEC would permit the shares of such a business to be publicly traded. It's also puzzling how the profits of such an outfit could support the salaries of the executives/board members shown in the film. In this respect, this film is similar to Cash McCall, based on a novel by the same author,where the business involved is tiny compared to the scale of, e.g., the top thousand American corporations by any measure, sales, capitalization, etc.
MartinHafer
This is a story of a fictional corporation that makes furniture. It's apparently a huge one--with enormous sales. That's why when the president of the company dies that the board of directors is in a tizzy. Various men want to control the company and to do so, they need to create alliances and connive to get the majority of the board members to vote for them. However, despite the conniving and maneuvering, the film ends with a few surprises.This is a highly unusual film. The biggest difference is that it's an "actor's film" with little of the adornment you'd find in other films--forcing the writers and actors to carry the entire film. The first way you realize it's this sort of film is that the film is missing a sound track! Yes, when the opening credits roll and there is no music whatsoever, you know this is NOT your typical film! And, when you see the wonderful cast of leading men and women as well as noted supporting actors, you also know it's a film built around people--not action. Imagine being a director who's given the likes of Fredric March, Barbara Stanwyck, William Holden, Paul Douglas, Louis Calhern, and the rest as a cast! The only film that immediately comes to mind with less adornment and an even better cast is "12 Angry Men"...and that's a truly great film.Overall, I liked this film a lot but also think that some may not appreciate all the machinations and the cerebral plot. If you want explosions, romance or comedy, this film certainly is not for you!
tamrons
I highly recommend this film. Great acting and a great story. Just one short comment. William Holden's character has dated ideals in that he wants to produce something of quality for the public not just answer to the share holders and raise the stock.Louis Calherns character (The bad guy) is really the one that is up to date, (at least since the late 1970's in terms of corporate ideals) in that corporations only concern is share holders and getting the cheapest merchandise. Read China, everything else be dammed. This is the only area that I saw that was dated. I love to see the old shots of New York and the typical fashions of the time.
