Watch How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
- Approved
- 1967
- 2 hr 1 min
-
7.2 (5,103)
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is a 1967 musical comedy film that serves as an adaptation of the 1961 Tony-winning Broadway musical of the same name by Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows. Directed by David Swift, the film stars Robert Morse, who reprised his Tony-winning role as J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer who climbs the corporate ladder thanks to a handy guidebook on office politics. The film also features Michele Lee as Rosemary Pilkington and Rudy Vallee as J.B. Biggley.
Set in the hypercompetitive world of 1960s corporate America, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is a satirical take on the corporate rat race, as well as an ode to the American dream. The story follows Finch, a crafty and ambitious young man who is determined to make it big in the business world, despite starting at the bottom of the ladder as a lowly window washer. Through sheer luck and cunning tactics outlined in his self-help book, Finch quickly finds a job in the mailroom of World Wide Wickets, a fictional company located in New York City.
Determined to climb the corporate ladder, Finch soon sets his sights on the executive suite, where he believes he belongs. Along the way, he catches the eye of secretary Rosemary Pilkington, who is charmed by his charisma and ambition. However, Finch's scheming backfires when he incurs the wrath of the company's tough-talking personnel boss, Miss Jones (played by Carol Worthington), who becomes his nemesis and tries to thwart his every move.
Despite the roadblocks in his way, Finch rises through the ranks with ease, thanks to a combination of luck, cunning and good timing. He impresses J.B. Biggley, the president of the company, and is soon promoted to a job in the company's advertising department. As he climbs the ladder of success, Finch learns some valuable lessons about the game of office politics and the importance of morality and ethics in business.
The film features several entertaining musical numbers, such as "The Company Way," "A Secretary Is Not a Toy," and "Brotherhood of Man," which showcases the talents of the cast and adds to the film's overall appeal. The film's score was composed by Frank Loesser, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his work on the Broadway production. The film's music is an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, and traditional show tunes, and it serves to enhance the story's satirical and comical tone.
Overall, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is a delightful and engaging film that satirizes the world of corporate America while celebrating the tenacity and ambition of those who are determined to succeed. The film's charming performances, catchy musical numbers, and witty script make it a classic of its genre and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of American musical theater.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a 1967 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.