Executive Suite

Behind the lighted tower windows the conflict of love and power is reckless and daring!

When the president of a major furniture company drops dead on Wall Street, a struggle begins among those who may or may not replace him. One of the first boardroom films of the 1950s has a very unusual beginning, with no music score and events filmed with a handheld camera, representing the eyes of the executive who suddenly croaks. What follows is more conventionally portrayed but with a firm grip; as Robert Wise moves us closer to the climactic boardroom meeting, we’ve gotten a clear picture of what’s at stake. There are no real villains here; the choices are still topical. Very good cast, but Fredric March is outstanding.

The YouTube clip shows the trailer.

1954-U.S. 104 min. B/W. Produced by John Houseman. Directed by Robert Wise. Screenplay: Ernest Lehman. Novel: Cameron Hawley. Cinematography: George J. Folsey. Cast: William Holden (McDonald Walling), June Allyson (Mary Blemond Walling), Barbara Stanwyck (Julia Tredway), Fredric March, Walter Pidgeon, Louis Calhern… Shelley Winters, Nina Foch, Dean Jagger.

Trivia: Henry Fonda was allegedly considered for the part of Walling. Followed by a TV series, Executive Suite (1976-1977).