Career

1959 1h 45m EN

👍

6.7

SOLID

★6.7TMDB · 15

Drama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

Playwright James Lee adapted his off-Broadway play for the screen in this high-strung adaptation, directed by Joseph Anthony. In this simplistic, backroom show-business-success saga, Anthony Franciosa plays Sam, a struggling young actor who will forsake his family and take any type of menial job in order to become a Broadway star. Dean Martin is on hand as Maury, an aspiring director also trying to claw his way up the ladder of success. When Maury gets his big break, Sam wants a part in his show, but when Maury, who is unwilling to cast Sam in the production, turns down Sam's request, Sam seduces and marries Maury's girlfriend (Shirley MacLaine). In spite of everything, Maury wants his girl back, and Sam agrees to a divorce on the stipulation that Maury cast him as the star in his next show. Once again, Maury reneges and, before Sam can exact his revenge, Uncle Sam comes to the rescue and he is drafted into the army.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Cast

Dean Martin
Maury Novak
Anthony Franciosa
Sam Lawson
Shirley MacLaine
Sharon Kensington
Carolyn Jones
Shirley Drake
Joan Blackman
Barbara Lawson Helmsley
Robert Middleton
Robert Kensington
Frank McHugh
Charlie Gallagher
Donna Douglas
Marjorie Burke

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Joseph Anthony
Writers: James Lee
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 7

ERA

Did you know

67 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Joseph Anthony, shot by Joseph LaShelle. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Franz Waxman. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Warren Low shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 7

CAST

Did you know

Dean Martin and Anthony Franciosa and Shirley MacLaine carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 7

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0052673 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 7

WILD

Did you know

Only 15 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Joseph Anthony directs. Joseph LaShelle behind the camera. Franz Waxman scores. Warren Low cuts. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

167 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
2Directed by Joseph Anthony, shot by Joseph LaShelle. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
3Original score by Franz Waxman. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
4Editor Warren Low shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Dean Martin and Anthony Franciosa and Shirley MacLaine carry the top of the cast.
6IMDB entry: tt0052673 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
7Only 15 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.