Avery Bullard is the president of furniture manufacturer Tredway Corporation in the small town of Millburgh, Pennsylvania. He runs it as an one-man show with several VPs under him. After talking to his New York bankers, he drops dead in the street. His wallet is stolen and presumed to be a John Doe. George Caswell notices the death from his window and sells short the company stock before others find out. When the news arrive back in Millburgh, various people vie for control of the company including VP Don Walling (William Holden) and Loren Shaw (Fredric March) with the founder's heir Julia Tredway (Barbara Stanwyck).
The most memorable characters are Holden and Stanwyck. Otherwise, they are mostly varying shades of old white guys in suits. Fredric March portrays the villain of the piece. It might be useful to concentrate more on his story. Instead, there are lots of character actors playing every one of the roles. Concentrating on Caswell early on may not set up the main conflict properly. There are some great actors galore receiving a few nominations. It is Holden who shines through with the climatic debate. This movie is swimming with greatness although it does lose me at certain times.
The most memorable characters are Holden and Stanwyck. Otherwise, they are mostly varying shades of old white guys in suits. Fredric March portrays the villain of the piece. It might be useful to concentrate more on his story. Instead, there are lots of character actors playing every one of the roles. Concentrating on Caswell early on may not set up the main conflict properly. There are some great actors galore receiving a few nominations. It is Holden who shines through with the climatic debate. This movie is swimming with greatness although it does lose me at certain times.