"Executive Suite" is one of those movies, that, once you start watching it, you don't want to stop. On its surface, it hardly sounds like the stuff of a great movie, that the CEO of a big furniture company dies enroute to a meeting of his executive officers. But, the movie holds your attention throughout.
As news of the boss' death becomes apparent, the fun begins. Who will take over the reigns? The power plays start. To the films credit, each character is a different person with flaws and positive attributes, not just one dimension. Truly, the credit belongs to the great cast. William Holden, Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Pidgeon, Louis Calhern, Dean Jagger, Frederic March, Nina Foch. Each bring a different dimension to their character.
March is a numbers guy to the end, and comes off as cold as he discusses plans for press releases, and funeral plans.
Holden is the manufacturing chief, who wants things to be done by the book. But is it good for the company?
Pidgeon is the loyal lieutenant, but can he fill the boss' shoes?
There are many other stories that intertwine. Affairs, backstabbing, conniving. It all makes for a wonderful movie.
As news of the boss' death becomes apparent, the fun begins. Who will take over the reigns? The power plays start. To the films credit, each character is a different person with flaws and positive attributes, not just one dimension. Truly, the credit belongs to the great cast. William Holden, Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Pidgeon, Louis Calhern, Dean Jagger, Frederic March, Nina Foch. Each bring a different dimension to their character.
March is a numbers guy to the end, and comes off as cold as he discusses plans for press releases, and funeral plans.
Holden is the manufacturing chief, who wants things to be done by the book. But is it good for the company?
Pidgeon is the loyal lieutenant, but can he fill the boss' shoes?
There are many other stories that intertwine. Affairs, backstabbing, conniving. It all makes for a wonderful movie.