Barbarians at the Gate (1993)

67% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(546 ratings)

This TV movie recounts the true-life story of a corporate takeover in the greed-driven 1980s. James Garner is F. Ross Johnson, CEO of RJR-Nabisco. Having just been burned by an expensive failure of a smokeless cigarette product, Johnson doesn't wish to incur the wrath of the stockholders. He begins… More This TV movie recounts the true-life story of a corporate takeover in the greed-driven 1980s. James Garner is F. Ross Johnson, CEO of RJR-Nabisco. Having just been burned by an expensive failure of a smokeless cigarette product, Johnson doesn't wish to incur the wrath of the stockholders. He begins drawing up plans to buy RJR-Nabisco outright so he'll have no one to answer to but himself. Unfortunately for Johnson, his company is also being coveted by sharkish "buyout king" Henry Kravis (Jonathan Pryce), who turns out to have $25 billion at his beck and call. Barbarians at the Gate was adapted by Larry Gelbart from the book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar. Advertised as a "docucomedy", the film premiered March 20, 1993, over the HBO cable service. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Glenn Jordan
Genres: Drama, Television, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 20, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Sep 25, 2001
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Makes the greedy rich who buy and sell ordinary folks' futures seem almost lovable.
Tony Medley, tonymedley.com
Rubbish with Garner whitewashing a real life villain
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Highly effective TV-movie with memorable Garner performance.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

Basically a blow-by-blow of the sale of Nabisco, with sight gags thrown in to make it a "comedy."

Cast

            James Garner as F. Ross Johnson

            Jonathan Pryce as Henry Kravis

            Peter Riegert as Peter Cohen

            Joanna Cassidy as Linda Robinson

            Jeffrey DeMunn as Greeniaus

            Leilani Sarelle as Laurie Johnson

            Tom Aldredge as Hugel

            Graham Beckel as Don Kelly

            Raye Birk as Travis Gaines

            Ron Canada as Vernon Jordan

            Dick Cavett as Himself

            Ann Cooper as Shearson Woman

            Peter Dvorsky as George Roberts

            Peter Frechette as Robert Allegro

            Bruce French as Golfer Jay

            Mary Hale as Cipollone Newscaster

            Dale Harimoto as Helicopter Reporter

            Rosanna Huffman as Juanita Kreps

            Jeanne Mori as Elizabeth Arden Waxer

            Dean Norris as 1st Scientist

            F. William Parker as Ira Harris

            Eric Poppick as 2nd Scientist

            David Rasche as Ted Forstmann

            Roger Rook as RJR Pilot

            Nancy Stephens as Kravis' Maid

            Timothy Stickney as Taxi Driver

            Fred Dalton Thompson as Jim Robinson

            Kent Williams as Tom Hill

            Rita Wilson as Carolyne Roehm

            Matt Clark as Ed Horrigan

            Mark Harelik as Peter Atkins

            Paul Vincent as New York Limo Driver

            Sally Stewart as Homeless Woman

            Bruce Beatty as Anthony the Pizza Man

            Scott Stevens as Air Traffic Controller

            Steven M. Gagnon as Milken Newscaster

            Kathe E. Mazur as RJR Secretary

            Philip O'Brien as Harry the Tailor

            Susan Ware as Secretary Marge

            John Mansfield as Buffalo Bill
See full cast