Ambition and Drama in Old Hollywood

Read Time:3 Minute, 23 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Carpetbaggers
Approved –

Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Released: 1964, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 30m
Director(s): Edward Dmytryk
Writer(s): Harold Robbins, John Michael Hayes
Cast: George Peppard, Alan Ladd, Carroll Baker, Robert Cummings, Martha Hyer, Elizabeth Ashley, Lew Ayres, Martin Balsam, Ralph Taeger, Archie Moore, Leif Erickson, Audrey Totter
Where To Watch: available November 28, 2023; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE CARPETBAGGERS, an adaptation of Harold Robbins' novel, transports us to another period of thrills and decadence. At the forefront is the ambitious Jonas Cord Jr., a character George Peppard embodies with depth. Cord Jr. inherits a business empire and a complex past following his father's demise. The film is more than a historical narrative; it’s an emotional saga of power, ambition, and the personal costs of success.

Peppard's portrayal of Cord Jr. is a cinematic delight, offering an electrifying and nuanced performance. His on-screen partner, Carroll Baker, as Rina Marlowe, brings a magnetic charm. Together, they maneuver the constraints of the Production Code, striking a captivating balance between tension and allure. It was interesting to see how far teams would go to get around the Production Code of the day, or at least to make you think they were getting around it. There’s an entire back story on the film about the production stills that were taken and how different they were from the film's content.

Director Edward Dmytryk keeps this sweeping story engaging and brisk, saying something for a film with a two-hour and thirty-minute run time. He weaves a tale that reflects real-world power dynamics. The film provides a window into the glamorous and ruthless world of early Hollywood, and it was an intriguing experience that I wasn’t expecting. I figured it would be more of a cut-and-dry story, but the depth shocked me at every turn.

Central to THE CARPETBAGGERS is Cord’s character, a figure torn between the glitter of the American Dream and his flawed humanity. His story is a rollercoaster, evoking a range of emotions from the audience. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a character that makes me hate them and root for them so much within a film.

In its portrayal of Hollywood, the film intersects with the true story of Howard Hughes, offering a critique of the industry. Cord's depiction as a shrewd mogul adds authenticity to the narrative, contrasting with the industry's darker underbelly.

THE CARPETBAGGERS boldly explores themes of power, ambition, and sexuality, making a statement about its era. The screenplay by John Michael Hayes and Harold Robbins balances parody and drama, enriched with clever dialogue and historical references. The film's ensemble cast shines, notably Baker and Peppard. Their on-screen chemistry is intriguing and layered, offering a dynamic exploration of their characters.

More than a mere period piece, THE CARPETBAGGERS delves into the societal and cultural dynamics of its setting. It critically examines the interplay of ambition and power and the human toll of pursuing success.

THE CARPETBAGGERS is a captivating journey through the early Hollywood era. It balances dramatic storytelling with insightful reflections on the industry and the people who shaped it. While its legacy may have dimmed, the film continues to underscore the enduring power of storytelling and the appeal of cinema. A must-watch for those who appreciate classic cinema and engaging narratives, THE CARPETBAGGERS is a journey into the heart of ambition, power, and the complexity of the human experience.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]