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Great Film overall

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Had the pleasure of watching today on a day long salute to Barbara Stanwyck,a very fine actress.She didn't have many lines or much action,but was a very important part of the Board.Surprised George Macready wasn't in the role played by Paul Douglas.In my opinion,he would've been the better choice,but Douglas was a good actor,although not what I consider in Macready's class (he plays a marvelous villain,and a decent good guy,too).Holden had me rooting for him.Pidgeon turns in his usual good acting job,and March is tip top here.Nina Foch does a great job,deserving an Oscar nomination,but Shelley Winters is a pain and is another drag.

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.

One thing you an always count on from Hollywood is its innate ability to destroy reality (or history) to make an entertaining show. That's what movies are all about. Look at what they did to Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz, who ends up being a nice guy. Hitler had the more appealing personality. Or take any war/battle film. Reality simply doesn't provide enough juicy events to satisfy Hollywood's demands, so it simply makes them up. This is especially effective when the subject (like that in this film) is beyond the experiences of the audience. They'll believe anything, so that's exactly what they get. And I'd sure like to know how Tredway manages to manufacture anything using non-union workers. And believe you me, that crap about workers disappointed in the quality of their products was one complaint I've never heard coming out of a union hall. The idea that all big businesses are alike is a claim made only by the ignorant. Businesses are as different as the folks who run them, which is actually what defines the business. There are really well run companies and (at least for awhile) really poorly run outfits. Only those whose small minds can only handle simple ideas think that big business can be stereotyped. I should know, and they are ALL different, except that those that survive are either lucky or smart. The really good ones are both.

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.