4.3
In order to get his way, New York producer Matt Saxon manipulates and controls everyone around him but his latest protégé, novelist Eric Busch, finally stands-up to him.
Robert Montgomery
Matt Saxon
Susan Hayward
Janet Busch
John Payne
Eric Busch
Audrey Totter
Alma Wragg
Harry Morgan
Hermy
Harry von Zell
Zack Humber
Cara Williams
Dolly Humber
Chill Wills
Captain Chatham
Heather Angel
Vivian Saxon
John Baragrey
Peter Stanhope
Fay Baker
Mrs. Noble
Barbara Billingsley
Mrs. Maddox
Peter Brocco
Cyril Leatham
Curt Conway
Jack Bernard
Addison Richards
Abel Richman
Archie Twitchell
Mr. Maddox
Maris Wrixon
Mrs. McCarthy
Philip Van Zandt
Chris
Lomax Study
Headwaiter (uncredited)
Kathleen Freeman
Reception Nurse
Director, Screenplay
Claude Binyon
Novel
Frederic Wakeman
December 21, 2023
6
As we watch this eponymous character throw his weight around, we are not exactly inundated with any charm (or steamed cabbage). He (Robert Montgomery) is a bully, a snob, and frankly rather an odious Broadway producer. He is introduced to "Eric" (John Payne) and his wife "Janet" (Susan Hayward) when he is told that there is a script to be had. Now "Eric" is a bit green with all of this, and is soon not only rewriting pretty much everything, but his marriage is struggling and he's even bankrolling his supposed impresario (and his long suffering factotum "Hermy" (Henry Morgan). What now ensues is a nicely presented tale of being hoist by your own petard. When people start to scent blood - they combine, connive and find effective ways of exacting their revenge on their erstwhile mentor. Montgomery is actually quite convincing here, but Payne never really did set the heather on fire and we simply don't see enough of Susan Hayward - whose character is not exactly strong, anyway. It's certainly a watchable and decently paced ninety minutes that shines a bit of a light on the Machiavellian theatrical tactics of producers and their rather selfish ways, it could just have been doing with a stronger antagonist for "Saxon".
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00