Cast
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Clark Gable
as Victor Albee Norman
Deborah Kerr
as Kay Dorrance
Sydney Greenstreet
as Evan Llewellyn Evans
Adolphe Menjou
as Mr. Kimberly
Ava Gardner
as Jean Ogilvie
Keenan Wynn
as Buddy Hare
Edward Arnold
as David 'Dave' Lash
Aubrey Mather
as Mr. Glass, Valet
Richard Gaines
as Cooke
Frank Albertson
as Max Herman
Douglas Fowley
as Georgie Gaver
Clinton Sundberg
as Michael Michaelson
Gloria Holden
as Mrs. Kimberly
Connie Gilchrist
as Betty - Switchboard Operator
Kathryn Card
as Miss Regina Kennedy
Crew
Director
- Jack Conway
Producer
- Arthur Hornblow Jr.
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Clark Gable ("Victor Norman") returns from WWII to rekindle his career in advertising. His cunning plan involves the glamorous war widow Deborah Kerr ("Kay"), nervous old ad agency boss "Mr. Kimberly" (Adoplhe Menjou), some considerable perspicacity and a whole load of soap. The latter element is provided by the wonderfully odious "Evan Llewellyn Evans" (Sydney Greenstreet,) the shrewd, but ghastly, owner of the most popular brand of beauty soap for whom Gable engages Kerr to star in an advertisement. Much to everyone's surprise, the entrepreneur rather likes the end product and "Norman" looks like his new, highly paid, career is set fair. Meantime, he has completely fallen for "Kay", but his methods of courtship lack, shall we say, finesse or style! Will he get the big job and/or the girl? Does he even want the big job an/or the girl? Wakeman's novel sets up the shallowness of the advertising industry for a good kicking: it's manipulation of those it considers the "sheep" (i.e us) to buy whatever rehashed nonsense they choose to offer us, is presented in a frequently quite comical - certainly quite cynical - fashion, with Greenstreet superb as the thoroughly unpleasant boss surrounded by his band of acolytes calling out "check" when he seeks their nominal agreement for his decisions. Jack Conway let's the star own the film - the dialogue is quickly delivered; and there is the merest hint of chemistry between him and his new to Hollywood co-star, who could have been doing with a little more substance to her part. Edward Arnold chips in well too, and there is an early outing for keenan Wynn as "Buddy Hare"- the kind of comic that has me reaching for my shotgun! It's a bit on the long side, the story runs out of steam a bit - but its still well worth watching.
Jul 7, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Hucksters examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jack Conway brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1947, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hucksters took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1947, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hucksters shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fatal Deception: Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Hucksters offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Saving Grace and Eugénie Grandet explore similar territory, The Hucksters stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 17, 1947
- Runtime: 1h 55m
