Watch Patterns

Patterns is a dramatic film from 1956 that offers an insightful and somber reflection on corporate America and its cutthroat world of corporate politics. The film takes place in the gritty world of a fictionalized 'Ramsay & Company' where the company's president, Walter Ramsey (Ed Begley), is on the verge of retirement. Under Ramsey's leadership, the company has always had a harmonious atmosphere, with everyone working together towards common goals. However, things change when Ramsey is replaced by Fred Staples (Van Heflin), an ambitious executive who quickly discovers a cutthroat, ruthless corporate environment.

The film is essentially a character drama, exploring the intricate relationships between the employees of Ramsay & Company. Through the eyes of Fred, we see how employees are often at the whim of higher-ups, how decisions are made behind closed doors, and how the little guy (employment) is just a disposable asset the company manipulates at their will. In his new position, Fred is stunned by the stark contrast of the company's happy-go-lucky exterior, and its true nature of rapid change, rumors, and hostility.

Everett Sloane plays the role of Andy Sloane, a longtime executive at Ramsay & Company who has grown disgruntled with the company's ruthless nature. Andy's character serves as a stark harbinger of the trials and tribulations that Fred will face - essentially warning him to abandon his morals in order to stay afloat within the company. Andy also serves to highlight the impact that power has on some individuals, and the lengths they will go to hold onto it.

As the film progresses, Fred is forced to make a decision about his morals and where he stands in this harsh and unfamiliar world. Will he succumb to the pressures and expectations of the job, or will he stay true to himself and his ideals? The film also underscores a greater message about the capitalist nature of America and the inherent danger that comes along with putting profits before people.

Directed by the legendary Fielder Cook and written by Rod Serling (who would later find fame with his iconic work on 'The Twilight Zone'), Patterns is a tense and thought-provoking film that remains just as relevant today as it was in 1956. The film's themes of greed and corporate survival continue to ring true, making Patterns a powerful reflection of the past, present, and future of modern business. At its core, Patterns raises challenging questions about ethics, morality, and the age-old debate of what it means to succeed.

In terms of the overall production, Patterns is a fairly elementary work, but where it shines is in the strength of its performances. Heflin is excellent as Fred, a man trying to balance his newfound power and influence with his own moral code. Sloane is expertly suited to the role of Andy, a man who has lost his way and resents those who haven't. And Begley is equally solid as Walter Ramsey, a man desperately trying to hold onto his ideals while also dealing with the pressure of running a company.

All in all, Patterns is a must-watch film for anyone who has ever found themselves caught up in the cutthroat world of modern business. It's a film that is both engaging and thought-provoking, and one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Patterns is a 1956 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.