Some Poor Script Writing

I think the book is one of O'Hara's best novels. I think it is one of Newman's worst films.

You may have a point on your no. 2.

There is no need for you to make a personal attack in your third item. You seem very angry.

How can you speak for "most of us"? There are probably hundreds of people who have read these comments.

Sorry for any and all typos.

You do seem rather emotional!

I could be wrong, but I don't recall any other films in which Newman played a businessman or a banker. I don't think it's his kind of role.

My field is management consulting, which is not the same as, but has many similarities to, investment banking, the type of business in which Newman is cast in this movie. I just could nor relate to the dialogue or the events based on my experience. John O'Hara, in his novel, got it right. The scripting for the film just wasn't on target. Although the character in the novel, Alfred Eaton, was taller than Paul Nemwan, in many other ways, Newman's looks and personality would seem to fit the role fairly well. Whether it was the poor script or Newman's acting that didn't work I don't know. Perhaps it was a combination of both. This, of course, is just my perspective. Everyone brings their own background to their review of a film.

Thank you for your comments. We may not agree, but I appreciate your taking the time to review my points.

It’s been a while since I watched this film, but I do remember it, possibly because I've read the book numerous times. If you have been offered professional jobs similar to that of investment banking analyst in the business owner's home or in a recreational setting, good for you. It just seems strange to me.

On your second point, I confess I just don't remember that aspect of the film that well. Perhaps it was plausible to have Alfred's wife at his promotion announcement. It does make for more interesting viewing than the more traditional setting of the book. In fact, in the book it is simply stated he was made partner, which had been expected, and one assumes, or at least I assumed, that it was done the traditional way of the senior partner or all of the partners calling Alfred in to his office or the board or conference room at work and informing him. But it is more interesting to have Alfred's beautiful blonde wife present than to have just a bunch of staid business types there.

Perhaps I am being too harsh on the movie. The book was so good, and that combined with my own experience in business, may have made me too critical. If you liked this film, and in particular Newman's performance, may I suggest you watch "The Young Philadelphians." This is also a film based on a fine book, but in my judgment, is better and more realistic.