THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT
Color, 153 min. Released: March 30, 1956 (20th Century Fox) Cast: Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones (as Betsy Rath), Fredric March, Marisa Pavan, Lee J. Cobb, Ann Harding, Keenan Wynn, Gene Lockhart. Director: Nunnally Johnson Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck Tagline: "The Motion Picture That May Very Well Be THE VERY GREATEST!" Complete Credits at IMDB A New York executive, Tom Rath, struggles to provide a good home to his family but can barely make ends meet. He applies for a better job within his company but soon realizes the pressure that the position will bring. Wartime memories about an affair and an illegitimate child and the accidental killing of Tom's best friend begin to surface. When Tom's wife Betsy learns of the child, their lives begin to unravel further, and Tom must decide if the promotion will be worth risking the time away from his family. Sloan Wilson's novel was a huge bestseller and 20th Century Fox presented a glossy production that looked great on the big screen. The film did well at the box office. Viewers who were not around during the 50's may wonder why. The film is way overlong and those not interested in the effects of corporate culture on the American family following World War II may find it perplexing. Gregory Peck is rather wooden in the lead role and Jennifer Jones does not fare much better. Her depiction of Betsy comes across as a nag and there is little affection or understanding apparent between her and her husband. On the plus side, there are fine performances by Lee J. Cobb, Fredric March and Ann Harding. The production values are also top notch. Interesting Tidbit - Look for DeForrest Kelley (Star Trek's Dr. McCoy) in a bit part as a medic. Back to Film Index
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