"The Carpetbaggers" was seen as an adults-only movie upon its initial release (no doubt due to Carroll Baker's flamboyant outfits) but looks pretty tame by today's standards. A thinly-veiled account of Howard Hughes, the movie is actually a little better than you might expect it to be, despite the corny ending. George Peppard plays a ruthless chemical tycoon who insists on making a name for himself in cinema in the '20s and '30s.
I understand that Carroll Baker's character is based on Jean Harlow. Interestingly enough, Baker played Harlow in a movie the following year. Like this movie, "Harlow" has had a reputation as being somewhat trashy (but I actually found it possible to take the movie seriously). This movie, meanwhile, cannot be considered any kind of masterpiece, but is worth seeing, if only once. I'll have to see Edward Dmytryk's other movies to fully understand his style.
Also starring Alan Ladd (in his final role), Bob Cummings, Martha Hyer, Lew Ayres, Martin Balsam, Archie Moore, Leif Erickson and Charles Lane.
I understand that Carroll Baker's character is based on Jean Harlow. Interestingly enough, Baker played Harlow in a movie the following year. Like this movie, "Harlow" has had a reputation as being somewhat trashy (but I actually found it possible to take the movie seriously). This movie, meanwhile, cannot be considered any kind of masterpiece, but is worth seeing, if only once. I'll have to see Edward Dmytryk's other movies to fully understand his style.
Also starring Alan Ladd (in his final role), Bob Cummings, Martha Hyer, Lew Ayres, Martin Balsam, Archie Moore, Leif Erickson and Charles Lane.