MovieChat Forums > How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967) Discussion > A Moment of Tragedy

A Moment of Tragedy

posted 17 years ago by HijodelCid
10 replies | jump to latest

The song that Twimble sings about being so desperate for job security that he settles eagerly for a gray life as a total and absolute NONENTITY without any ideas or any future makes me very sad. It reminds me of failures such as my mother, who wanted to be a librarian but settled instead for schoolteaching because it was a profession always in great demand--only instead of job security she wore herself down into a years' long depression because she could not handle a job for which she was temperamentally unsuited.

[–] Jack_Rabbit_Catcher 17 years ago

I'm sorry, that is, sadly a universal truth. But the point of the song wasn't to pity Twimble, but to highlight the irony of someone explaining in straight detail how they have blindly devoted themselves to a big protector (a big Brother, it seems) and forced themselves to not think over anything they say (or to think at all) in, not only a way where they sound actually conscious of what they're doing, but in an almost boastful manner (Junior, have no fear/ Whoever the company fires/ I will still be here!). We're supposed to, instead of pitying him, be completely baffled by what a doorstep he made himself into. He is still, as the movie so cleverfully points out, a victim of ruthless capitalism that has interest in anything other than a buck. So sad that it's so true.

Oh, do I have to? It's MUCH better to give the silent treatment.

[–] movieghoul 17 years ago

But today even a Twimble doesn't have job security. The company would consolidate the mail rooms of three offices and fire two of the managers.

[–] Blueghost 17 years ago

And export it to India. ;-)

Seriously, that kind of stuff happens. It almost happened to me a few times, but, fortunately, I was able to move on.

It happens to all people in all careers. Pilots, teachers, sanitation workers, dock workers, even executives. I remember an interview with an executive who loved working for some companies in certain industries, and was revolted by others. The flashier the corporation, the more he hated it. He loved heading up public service corporations or entities, or organizations that assisted the public and/or public agencies.

That was his calling; leadership. But even for him the choice was the same as the mailroom supervisor. In the end he moved onto what he loved, even though he was making uncounted millions in some of his other jobs.

[–] scotbpens 15 years ago

I really don't think we should feel sorry for Twimble. He's found his niche in the business world, and he's content with it. Face it, some people -- those of average intelligence, with fairly dull personalities, not terribly creative or imaginative or ambitious -- are MEANT to be corporate drones. Alluding to Monty Python, not everyone can be a lion tamer. Some of us have to settle for being chartered accountants!

All the universe . . . or nothingness. Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?

[–] mahoma2 14 years ago

Do you have any idea how arrogant you sound?

I guess you think you have all the world and its human beings figured out.

Some of the most wonderful people, who are positively creative, humorous, supportive and inspiring are very grateful to be working and need to be in the working position they are.

Please don't characterize groups of people to fit into
the 'world conquerors' (yea)
and the 'measly stepping stones' (pfft)...
...there only to heat your coffee and be submissive to your glory.

(who are you...Bill O'Reily....who said that all the New Orleans citizens who could not get out of Katrina's way...were there by their own fault because they had not gotten a higher education!?!?!?!?!??!)

Maybe you just didn't re-read your statement before posting and it came out sounding self-worshipping and pompous.....

[–] scotbpens 14 years ago

Maybe you just didn't re-read your statement before posting and it came out sounding self-worshipping and pompous.....

Or maybe someone needs to grow a sense of humor.

All the universe . . . or nothingness. Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?

[–] skat1140 14 years ago

News Flash.
H2SiBWRT is a satire.
Its not a documentary.
Thank you.

[–] movieghoul 12 years ago

A couple of additional points.

Twimble was played in both the original play and film by Sammy Smith, who also played Wally Womper. This was an intentional choice, suggesting that there isn't much difference between the chairman of the board and the guy who rworks in the mail room.

Also, at about the same time as this show ran on Broadway, there was another musical She Loves Me, in which a Twimble like employee has a number called Perspective, a similar funny/sad commentary on his sycophanitc job.

[–] aciolino 12 years ago

Hey. Twimble had it good.

[–] eholzapfel26 9 years ago

Indeed. It's really all about attitude. Many people can be stuck in dead-end, lackluster, thankless or low-paying jobs, but find fulfillment in their private life: their hobbies, their social activities, civic participation, religious activities, their families, etc., or even how they bring their private principles, ethics or motivational skills to their work environment.

Another old saying - if you can't do what you love, learn to love what you do.

To this point: I worked with one older gentlemen who spent most of his work time getting to know and giving advice & encouragement to younger workers. His "job" became more about empowering the next generation than whatever it was he was actually hired to do. He seemed to find fulfillment AT work, even though he probably didn't enjoy his actual job - he turned the time he spent at his job into something he did enjoy.