Patterns
"Patterns" was an American television play broadcast live on January 12, 1955, remade as a film the next year with some of the same cast. Fred Staples is the newest executive in a large firm. He strikes up a friendship with Andy Sloane, the Vice President to whom he nominally reports. Staples is good at his job and the company's hard-nosed president, Walter Ramsey, is pleased with his choice. Staples has a crisis of conscience when Ramsey tells him that he's been recruited to replace Sloane, someone who has devoted his entire life to the company at the expense of his family. Sloane knows what Ramsey is up to but digs in his heels and refuses to quit. Tragedy ensues forcing Staples to make a choice.
Insights
Plot Summary
Fred Fleming, a promising young executive, finds himself caught in the ruthless machinations of a powerful New York City corporation. He is pressured by his superiors to sacrifice his personal integrity and family life for the sake of career advancement. As the corporate pressures escalate, Fleming begins to question his own values and the cost of success in a cutthroat business world.
Critical Reception
Originally broadcast as a live television play, 'Patterns' received widespread critical acclaim for its searing portrayal of corporate ethics and its powerful performances. Its subsequent theatrical film adaptation was also well-received for maintaining the integrity of the original story and its compelling drama.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its stark and unflinching look at corporate ambition.
- Lauded for its strong acting, particularly Richard Kiley's portrayal of the conflicted executive.
- Considered a significant piece of television drama that translated well to film.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1955 film is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Winner of the Peabody Award for Television (1955) for the original broadcast. Nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Film Promoting International Understanding (1957) for the film adaptation.
Fun Fact
The original live television broadcast of 'Patterns' was so impactful that it was re-staged and filmed as a feature film version released theatrically in 1956.
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