Director Fred Amiel (Barry Sullivan), actress Georgia Lorrison (Lana Turner) and writer James Lee Bartlow (Dick Powell) have been offered to work on the next project of producer Jonathan Shields (Douglas), to which they all refuse. Through flashbacks, it is shown how they come to hate the man that helped their careers.
When we're first introduced to Shields, it's at his father's funeral, his eyes flooded with tears. It gives us the impression that we're supposed to sympathize with him. But not long after that, we soon learn those tears he almost shed were no more than crocodile tears.
Geez, Douglas is ruthless in this. His work in The Bad and the Beautiful reminded me of his role in Ace in the Hole, both of them men who will break rules to get ahead in the business. Impressive work from Vincente Minnelli, who the previous year made the lighthearted An American in Paris. Believe me, The Bad and the Beautiful is one of the bleakest views of the movie industry. Well, along with Sunset Boulevard.
My Rating: *****
"Ruthless" was definitely the right word. He doesn't even feel remorse when he destroys his best friend's life then he has the nerve to ask for his help.
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