It is surprising to find such positive comments about a film that seems sadly dated, as is the case with "Career" a 1959 Paramount release that features a star cast in a bad movie adaptation. Maybe when this ran as a theatrical piece it had a better sense of what struggling actors endured in pursuit of jobs that only a small percentage of them will ever get in the legitimate stage, or in the small venues where the "real" theater lives. Sam Lawson, the man that wants to make a career in the theater, was not prepared for the cruel reality awaiting him in New York.
As far as what comes out on the film, directed by Joseph Anthony, and based on a play by James Lee, it feels phony and pretentious. The only exception is Carolyn Jones who gives a moving performance. Anthony Franciosa has some good moments, but one can see how in real life, were he to audition for a part in a real play, he would have had some problem landing it.
Dean Martin plays the nasty Maury Novak, a man whose loyalty to Sam is questionable. He shows no redeeming qualities, something that might go with the territory in which he lived. Maury's ascent into a Hollywood power agent is questionable. Going from obscurity to fame is just beyond comprehension. Shirley MacLaine's Sharon Kensington is a puzzle. One can understand her desire to have Sam, because of a rich girl's whim, but how could she think Sam was going to keep her in the style which she was accustomed to? Veteran character actor Frank McHugh has a small part as a waiter without theatrical ambitions. What a departure!
"Career" is a film that defies credibility.
As far as what comes out on the film, directed by Joseph Anthony, and based on a play by James Lee, it feels phony and pretentious. The only exception is Carolyn Jones who gives a moving performance. Anthony Franciosa has some good moments, but one can see how in real life, were he to audition for a part in a real play, he would have had some problem landing it.
Dean Martin plays the nasty Maury Novak, a man whose loyalty to Sam is questionable. He shows no redeeming qualities, something that might go with the territory in which he lived. Maury's ascent into a Hollywood power agent is questionable. Going from obscurity to fame is just beyond comprehension. Shirley MacLaine's Sharon Kensington is a puzzle. One can understand her desire to have Sam, because of a rich girl's whim, but how could she think Sam was going to keep her in the style which she was accustomed to? Veteran character actor Frank McHugh has a small part as a waiter without theatrical ambitions. What a departure!
"Career" is a film that defies credibility.