meaninglessname This film is the life story of mega-wealthy Horace Vendig, as told in flashbacks at a party he's throwing in his own honor at his palatial estate. In these we see that he has attained his success by lying and cheating, betraying his partners and trampling on everyone who does him a good turn. He views the women in his life as trophies or stepping stones, and the general public as sheep to be fleeced.For once, director Ulmer had enough money for some production values. Zachary Scott as Vendig is properly cold-blooded, Louis Hayward stalwart as the one friend finally disgusted and betrayed, and the rest of the cast, including bigger names than Ulmer usually could afford, is excellent,. The only problem with the movie is imagining an America populated by people supine and simple-minded enough to allow such an ogre to rise to the top.

Michael O'Keefe Director Edgar Ulmer wants RUTHLESS to put himself up there with the bigger directors. This is one of those old black and white dramas you won't walk away from. Horace Vendig(Zachary Scott)is the product of a broken home; not having any of the luxuries his friends had. Horace honed his intelligence to become a cold-hearted, callous and ruthless financier. Even his childhood friend Vic(Louis Hayward)could not believe what he made of himself. Vendig would charm women to just throw away when another caught his eye. Love was out of the question. All Horace was interested in was notoriety and wealth. He sold himself as a respectable philanthropist; while all along he shamelessly trampled on anyone that got in his way. Matinée idol Scott plays the role very well. Scenery and storyline are interesting and the cast is strong. Other players: Diana Lynn, Martha Vickers, Sydney Greenstreet, Lucille Bremer and Raymond Burr. Robert J. Anderson plays Horace with Arthur Stone playing Vic in the flashback scenes. Borderline Film Noir.

T Y This movie is initially intriguing in it's oddness. It's hard to name the genre. It's like a Horatio Alger story that becomes, um, I don't know, a boy's romance? But what might have been intriguing is exposed as just so much floundering. There is no way that cheerful, caring George Baily (Robert J Anderson) can grow up to become preening, effete villain Zachary Scott. It's just not possible. Anderson is way sympathetic. Scott is like a weird alien, who never has the audiences identification. Horace the child is not dreaming of growing up to go to black-tie balls. The first 40 minutes will intrigue fans of atypical movies, But the middle hour just sits there and dies. It's too bad the film's message ends up being the homily: "Stay home, have no ambition & lead a trite life!"

jim riecken (youroldpaljim) RUTHLESS seems to be Edgar G. Ulmers attempt to film a story similar to CITIZEN KANE. Like CITIZEN KANE, RUTHLESS is the story of the rise and fall of man from a humble background who rises to the top, destroying several people along the way, only to end up having his past catch up with him at the end. RUTHLESS also has CITIZEN KANE's flashback structure and both characters come from quaint small towns. Unlike Charles Kane, Horace Wooddruff Vendig is a far more ruthless character and- unlike Charles Kane- evokes little sympathy. He destroys his first love, first by stealing her from his best friend, then dumping her for another woman when he meets another girl whose family can provide him with better connections to move the economic ladder. The women he uses, with the exception of his first love Martha, evoke little sympathy. In a way they are just as ruthless as Vendig. The women are solely attracted to him by his power and wealth, and when they are discarded, the viewer can't help feel they had it coming. Don't complain when you play with vipers and then get bitten would be my advice to these women. RUTHLESS doesn't quite deserve the praise some viewers have recently heaped upon it. The pacing is sometimes off and the film is a bit overlong. The cast is good, with Sydney Greenstreet giving as usual (if at times over the top) attention grabbing performance. Director Ulmer handles the direction with confidence and style. Overall, RUTHLESS is a not bad imitation of a much better film, but when viewing it, the viewer can't help think something is lacking.