Playwright James Lee adapted his off-Broadway play for the screen in this high-strung adaptation, directed by Joseph Anthony. In this simplistic, backroom show-business-success saga, Anthony Franciosa plays Sam, a struggling young actor who will forsake his family and take any type of menial job in order to become a Broadway star. Dean Martin is on hand as Maury, an aspiring director also trying to claw his way up the ladder of success. When Maury gets his big break, Sam wants a part in his show, but when Maury, who is unwilling to cast Sam in the production, turns down Sam's request, Sam seduces and marries Maury's girlfriend (Shirley MacLaine). In spite of everything, Maury wants his girl back, and Sam agrees to a divorce on the stipulation that Maury cast him as the star in his next show. Once again, Maury reneges and, before Sam can exact his revenge, Uncle Sam comes to the rescue and he is drafted into the army.
Acting
MacLaine's Sharon—traded like a bargaining chip, still steals every scene.
Writing
The draft board deus ex machina: capitalism's revenge on capitalist ambition.
Director
Joseph Anthony
Dean Martin
Maurice 'Maury' Novak
Anthony Franciosa
Sam Lawson
Shirley MacLaine
Sharon Kensington
Carolyn Jones
Shirley Drake
Joan Blackman
Barbara Lawson Helmsley
Robert Middleton
Robert Kensington
Donna Douglas
Marjorie Burke
Jerry Paris
Allan Burke
Frank McHugh
Charlie Gallagher
Mary Treen
Marie, Secretary to Shirley Drake
Yuki Shimoda
Yosho
Alan Hewitt
Matt Helmsley
Marjorie Bennett
Fan Magazine Columnist
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shirley MacLaine filmed this between her Oscar-nominated turns in Some Came Running and The Apartment, making Sharon her least-remembered but most mercenary character of the era.
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