Watch The Carpetbaggers

The Carpetbaggers is a film starring George Perpard, Elizabeth Ashley, Alan Ladd and Carol Baker, which is loosely based on some of the events in the life of real-life millionaire Howard Hughes. The film is about Jonas Cord, Jr. (Perpard), who has been criticized and brow beaten by his father throughout his life. The most recent issue between the father and son was the marriage of the senior Cord to Jonas’ girl, Rena (Baker). The film begins with Jonas flying over his father’s chemical plant with a newly acquired open-cockpit plane and being criticized by his father for his lack of responsible behavior. During the ensuing argument, the elder Cord suffers a stroke and dies. Jonas shows no emotion and immediately has the will read and quickly makes the moves to settle the estate so that he has sole ownership of all property. Once the decisions are made, Jonas returns home to tell his stepmother of his father’s death and to learn why she chose his father over him when they were in love. Jonas begins expanding his businesses and soon meets Monica Winthrop (Ashley), whom he marries. Jonas continues traveling around the country, overseeing his various businesses, and he takes Monica with him until she informs him that she would like for them to settle into a home of their own and possibly have a child. Jonas heatedly informs her that he not only does not want to settle in one place, but he does not want to have any children, ever. Jonas discovers that his oldest and most loyal companion, Nevada Smith (Ladd) is in trouble with a recent motion picture he invested in. Jonas offers his help, casting Rena in the film in order to save Nevada's investment. However, when Rena dies from driving drunk, Jonas soon realizes his mistake and seeks out Monica, who gave birth to their child, and offers to change.