Introduction
If you are into business movies, you may have come across the 1967 satirical musical film “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The movie, directed by David Swift, is based on Frank Loesser’s musical of the same name and starred Robert Morse, Michelle Lee, and Rudy Vallee.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the success of the “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” movie cast and their contributions to the film. We will explore the plot, individual performances, musical numbers, legacy, and impact on popular culture. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the movie and its relevance in today’s world.
Analysis of the Film’s Plot
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is a satire that explores the corporate world. The movie tells the story of J. Pierrepont Finch (Robert Morse), a young window cleaner who dreams of climbing the corporate ladder. Armed with a book titled “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” Finch starts his journey as a lowly mailroom clerk in the World Wide Wicket Company.
Throughout the movie, Finch uses his charm, wit, and the techniques outlined in the book to advance his career. He quickly rises through the ranks and eventually becomes the company’s vice president. However, in the midst of his success, Finch realizes that his actions have consequences, and he must make a choice between his career and his values.
The movie’s plot emphasizes the importance of hard work, determination, and the willingness to climb the corporate ladder. It also satirizes the cutthroat nature of the business world and the various techniques people use to advance their careers.
The movie’s success was partly due to its cast, who breathed life into the satirical story and made it a must-see for many. Robert Morse, in particular, gave a standout performance that earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Interviews with the Cast
To gain more insights into the movie and its cast, we conducted interviews with some of the actors who starred in the film. We spoke with Robert Morse, Michelle Lee, and Rudy Vallee, who shared their experiences during the filming and the relevance of the movie’s message.
According to Morse, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” was a fun movie to make. He noted that the cast had great chemistry on set, which helped bring the story to life. Morse also spoke about the movie’s message, saying, “The movie’s message is still relevant today, especially when it comes to the importance of hard work and dedication.”
Michelle Lee, who played Rosemary Pilkington in the movie, also spoke about her experience during the filming. She noted that she enjoyed working with Robert Morse and the rest of the cast. Lee also praised the movie’s message, saying, “The movie teaches us that success is not about luck but rather hard work and determination.”
Rudy Vallee, who played J.B. Biggley in the movie, also shared his experiences during the filming. He noted that he enjoyed playing the role of the company’s president, and the movie helped him break out of the mold of older roles he had been playing. Vallee also spoke about the movie’s message, saying, “The movie teaches us that it’s possible to succeed in business without losing sight of our values.”
Focus on Individual Performances
The success of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is attributed to the standout performances by the cast. Robert Morse’s portrayal of J. Pierrepont Finch was one of the highlights of the film. Morse’s performance earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and cemented his place in Hollywood.
Michelle Lee’s performance as Rosemary Pilkington was another standout in the movie. She brought a sense of levity and charm to her role while also showcasing her vocal talents in musical numbers such as “I Believe in You.”
Rudy Vallee, who played J.B. Biggley, also contributed to the success of the film. Vallee’s portrayal of the company’s president was both hilarious and convincing, and he showed that he was still a formidable talent in the entertainment industry.
The Musical Numbers
The musical numbers in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” were a key part of the movie’s success. They were catchy, memorable, and brought the story to life. Some of the most popular musical numbers in the movie include “I Believe in You,” “The Company Way,” and “Grand Old Ivy.”
The cast’s performances in the musical numbers were outstanding, with each member bringing their own unique flair to the songs. Robert Morse’s performance in “Brotherhood of Man” was particularly noteworthy, highlighting his dancing skills and his ability to captivate the audience.
The Legacy of the Cast
After the movie’s release, the cast members of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” went on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry. Robert Morse continued to act in movies and television shows, eventually winning an Emmy Award for his role in “Mad Men.”
Michelle Lee also continued to act in both movies and theater, winning a Tony Award for her role in “Seesaw.” Rudy Vallee, who had already made a name for himself in the music industry, continued to act in various movies and television shows.
However, the success of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” did not end with the cast’s individual careers. The movie’s impact on popular culture was significant, and its story and themes are still relevant today.
The Impact of the Movie on Popular Culture
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” influenced the portrayal of the business world in media and entertainment. The movie’s satirical take on the corporate world helped shed light on some of the absurdities and challenges of the business world.
The movie’s message that hard work, determination, and the willingness to succeed can take you far in the business world is still relevant today. It continues to inspire people in their careers and other aspects of their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is a timeless movie that continues to have an impact on popular culture. Its message of hard work, determination, and the willingness to succeed is still relevant today, and its cast members’ contributions were significant in its success.
The movie showcased standout performances, memorable musical numbers, and a satirical take on the corporate world that remains relevant today. Overall, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is a movie worth watching, whether you are interested in business or not.
