Watch The Carpetbaggers

"The Carpetbaggers" is a 1964 American film, based on the novel of the same name by Harold Robbins. It stars George Peppard, Alan Ladd, and Robert Cummings and is directed by Edward Dmytryk. The film follows the life of Jonas Cord Jr, a ruthless tycoon who is determined to achieve success by any means necessary. The story begins with Jonas Cord Jr., the son of a wealthy industrialist, who takes control of his father's business after his sudden death. Jonas is a complex character who is driven by his ambitions to be rich and powerful. He is determined to make a name for himself in the business world and inherit his father's legacy. Jonas uses his wealth and influence to get what he wants, but he faces a number of obstacles along the way.

The film explores the various themes of greed, ambition, and business ethics, and how they can lead to both success and downfall. Jonas makes his fortune in the aviation and movie industry, but his success comes at a price. He lives a fast-paced lifestyle, filled with scandals and affairs, and begins to lose sight of what really matters in life. Jonas falls in love with Monica Winthrop, a beautiful actress, but their relationship is complicated by his other affairs and the pressure of his career.

In his pursuit of success, Jonas also clashes with other industrialists like the ruthless Nevada Smith, played by Alan Ladd. Smith will do anything to prevent Jonas from succeeding, and their conflict escalates into a series of violent encounters. Despite Jonas’ best efforts, his empire begins to crumble under the weight of his own ambition and his moral compromises.

The film also introduces a number of secondary characters who play important roles in Jonas' life. Robert Cummings plays the role of Dan Pierce, Jonas' loyal friend and business partner, who tries to warn Jonas of the dangers of his own reckless behavior. Martha Hyer plays Rina Marlowe, a beautiful singer and actress who is Jonas' first love.

"The Carpetbaggers" was highly controversial when it was released in 1964 because of the frank depictions of sex and violence. The film was criticized for being too sensationalistic and pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream cinema at the time. Today, it is seen as a classic of American cinema and a true representation of the excesses of the 1960s.

The film's use of color, widescreen, and location shooting are some of its technical achievements. It was filmed in a variety of locations, including Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Palm Springs, providing a realistic portrayal of Hollywood's glamour and glitz. The film's score, composed by Elmer Bernstein, adds to the drama and intensity of the story.

Overall, "The Carpetbaggers" is a classic example of Hollywood film-making from the 1960s. It is a tale of power, ambition, and moral integrity, and how they can be compromised in the pursuit of success. Through its unforgettable characters and cinematic flair, the film is still as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

The Carpetbaggers is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.