Executive Suite

Year: 1954

Grade: B

Country: USA

Director: Wise

Review

ahead of its time film about a corporation whose owner/president dies in the first scene (filmed in the first person for some reason). ernest lehman (sweet smell of success, who’s afraid of virginia woolf?) writes the film and proves again that he’s one of the better writers of the era. another robert wise directed film, second in two days. solid cast anchored by william holden and barbara stanwyck (in a supporting role). always nice to see paul douglas as well. the reason it’s ahead of its time is because it foresees the downfall of companies as purveyors of quality goods and the emergence of penny-pinching math majors running (in this case) furniture businesses. in the era of cheap/disposable chinese products and a distinct lack of craftsmanship this film is in many ways more relevant today than it was when it was made.