MovieChat Forums > The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956) Discussion > SPOILERS ! MGFS similarities to Mad Men

SPOILERS ! MGFS similarities to Mad Men


Just watched MGFS at the end of August, and I was astonished --- there are an incredible number of similarities to Mad Men !

The movie is set in the 1950s, Peck's wife's name is "Betsy" & she has emotional issues --- their children are often disobedient and uncontrollable --- there are dark & secret issues in Peck's past that he struggles to deal with (which get in the way of his relationship with his wife) --- Peck also had terrible wartime experiences that he "flashes back" to --- Peck has to prove himself to the PR Dept. of a major TV network (a LOT like advertising --- in this instance, pitching & promoting the idea that his boss is interested in establishing a national mental healthcare system) --- Peck uses his creativity & gut instinct a lot in order to land his PR job --- there are issues with a house owned by the couple's elderly relative, and a fight over her estate / will --- a prig of a British executive who is constantly a thorn in his side (as is Lane Pryce in his earlier episodes of MM) --- a close companion from Peck's past reappears, years later, with information that could derail Peck's life --- there's an eccentric boss who is long-estranged from his wife --- problems with the daughter of the boss, who "refuses to go to college" --- many discussions of / struggles with moral ambiguity --- finally, lots of smoking, lots of cocktails ---

HAD to have been an influence on the creation of Mad Men !

If not, it's pretty coincidental ---

"J'ai l'oeil AMÉRICAIN !"

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Bump !

"J'ai l'oeil AMÉRICAIN !"

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In commentary for Mad Men and interviews, this movie is mentioned as a major influence for Don Draper from Mad Men.



Web www.kittysafe.net
Fcbk https://www.facebook.com/catnipdream

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Which commentary / what season ? Which interviews ?

Thanks !

"J'ai l'oeil AMÉRICAIN !"

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Do you think I keep a bibliography of everything I have ever seen? Sorry I don't.

Web www.kittysafe.net
Fcbk https://www.facebook.com/catnipdream

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Not a problem kittysafe --- it's just that I've seen a few reviews that purport to compare MGFS & MM, and then there turns out to be minimal information, or else it's about a MM character "referencing" MGFS in an episode !

I've yet to find any review or commentary that actually spends any time comparing the 2 !

"J'ai l'oeil AMÉRICAIN !"

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I actually might be able to find which Blu ray commentary episode it is if I think of who was talking in that commentary... give me some time and I'll try to find that for you, it would be within the first 2 seasons, I'm thinking first season commentaries... so I'll jot that into my calendar to remember to look into for you.



Web www.kittysafe.net
Fcbk https://www.facebook.com/catnipdream

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Great --- thanks much, Kittysafe !

"J'ai l'oeil AMÉRICAIN !"

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No problem, hopefully it's there, I know I heard it someplace :)


Web www.kittysafe.net
Fcbk https://www.facebook.com/catnipdream

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