actor

Career

67 %|Oct 8, 1959|Drama

Playwright James Lee adapted his off-Broadway play for the screen in this high-strung adaptation, directed by Joseph Anthony. In this simplistic, backroom show-business-success saga, Anthony Franciosa plays Sam, a struggling young actor who will forsake his family and take any type of menial job in order to become a Broadway star. Dean Martin is on hand as Maury, an aspiring director also trying to claw his way up the ladder of success. When Maury gets his big break, Sam wants a part in his show, but when Maury, who is unwilling to cast Sam in the production, turns down Sam's request, Sam seduces and marries Maury's girlfriend (Shirley MacLaine). In spite of everything, Maury wants his girl back, and Sam agrees to a divorce on the stipulation that Maury cast him as the star in his next show. Once again, Maury reneges and, before Sam can exact his revenge, Uncle Sam comes to the rescue and he is drafted into the army.

Featured Crew

James Lee
Screenplay
Franz Waxman
Original Music Composer
Edith Head
Costume Design
Warren Low
Editor
Joseph LaShelle
Director of Photography
Hal B. Wallis
Producer
Joseph Anthony
Director
Hal Pereira
Art Direction

Cast

actor
Dean Martin
Maurice 'Maury' Novak
actor
Shirley MacLaine
Sharon Kensington
actor
Carolyn Jones
Shirley Drake
actor
Joan Blackman
Barbara Lawson Helmsley
actor
Robert Middleton
Robert Kensington
actor
Donna Douglas
Marjorie Burke
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Jerry Paris
Allan Burke
actor
Frank McHugh
Charlie Gallagher
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Chuck Wassil
Eric Peters
actor
Mary Treen
Marie, Secretary to Shirley Drake
actor
Alan Hewitt
Matt Helmsley
actor
Marjorie Bennett
Fan Magazine Columnist
actor
John Benson
Jeep Driver
actor
Pamela Duncan
Myra Holloway