Career

Story

Synopsis

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.

Director

Joseph Anthony

Writers

Philip Stong, Dalton Trumbo, James Lee

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

8 October 1959

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Dean Martin

  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

• Chuck Wassil

  Eric Peters

• 

  Mary Treen

  Marie

• 

  Yuki Shimoda

  Yosho