Executive Suite (1954)

Synopsis: Based on the novel by Cameron Hawley, EXECUTIVE SUITE is one of the first films to deal with the corporate rat race and all its power business and politics. After the sudden death of its president, a giant furniture company's board members battle for control. Surveying the candidates for the... Based on the novel by Cameron Hawley, EXECUTIVE SUITE is one of the first films to deal with the corporate rat race and all its power business and politics. After the sudden death of its president, a giant furniture company's board members battle for control. Surveying the candidates for the executive position is Julia Tredway (Barbara Stanwyck), the daughter of the firm's founder, the mistress of the recently deceased company president, and the company's chief stockholder. The candidates are competitive, particularly Loren Shaw (Fredric March), who is so ruthless in his quest to reach the top that he begins to blackmail Josiah Dudley (Paul Douglas) and George Caswell (Louis Calhern) into supporting him. Perhaps the only candidate not actively campaigning is the more honorable McDonald Walling, who simply wants to live a good home life with his wife and child. The drama of EXECUTIVE SUITE unfolds with witty, provocative dialogue and brilliant cinematic intercutting among the many characters, which gives the film action even within the confines of its corporate-office setting. The film has no music score, only the sounds found in the business world--such as the Wall Street clock chimes. Nominated for several Academy Awards, this tightly directed, riveting, and amusing film is considered one of Robert Wise's masterpieces. [More]