Movie spotlight
The Boss
Pursued by a rival gang after a violent robbery, Toni escapes with nearly thirty million francs. On the train to Paris, to avoid arousing suspicion, he has no choice but to threaten an honorable philosophy professor, Justin Mignonnet, with his gun, so that he will carry the loot for him. To make sure he returns the money, he takes his papers and makes him promise to be present at the exchange appointment at the Pigalle Hotel the next day. Completely lost, Mignonnet decides to obey orders, but just as he is about to return the money, a young woman, a member of the enemy gang, comes to collect it.
Insights
Plot Summary
A ruthless and ambitious young television executive, Dave Bennert, is willing to do anything to climb the ladder of success. He manipulates and double-crosses everyone around him, including the women he becomes involved with, to gain control of the network. His relentless pursuit of power leads him into increasingly morally compromised situations.
Critical Reception
The Boss is a gritty and cynical look at the television industry of the late 1950s. While not a commercial success, it has gained a cult following over the years for its sharp writing and Ida Lupino's uncompromising direction, particularly noted for its ahead-of-its-time portrayal of ruthless ambition and exploitation.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its cynical and unflinching portrayal of ambition in the television industry.
Ida Lupino's direction is noted for its stark realism and efficient storytelling.
The film's dark tone and morally ambiguous protagonist were ahead of their time.
Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to limited availability and data.
Fun Fact
Ida Lupino, a pioneering female director, often tackled controversial subjects and complex characters, and 'The Boss' is considered one of her more starkly realistic films.
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