How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(4,168 ratings)

Robert Morse recreated his Tony-winning stage role in this 1967 film version of Frank Loesser's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical. A humble window washer at the New York offices of World Wide Wickets, J. Pierpont Finch applies the lessons he's learned from a book called How to Succeed in… More Robert Morse recreated his Tony-winning stage role in this 1967 film version of Frank Loesser's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical. A humble window washer at the New York offices of World Wide Wickets, J. Pierpont Finch applies the lessons he's learned from a book called How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying to wangle his way to the top of the executive heap. Though advised by the mailroom supervisor (Sammy Smith) to keep a low profile and play things "The Company Way," Finch follows his own skewed set of rules, endearing himself to bombastic company president J. B. Biggely (Rudy Vallee) by posing as a graduate of Grand Old Ivy, Biggely's alma mater. As he climbs to the top, Finch manages to dispose of an over-amorous rival by arranging a tryst between that rival and curvaceous secretary Hedy LaRue (Maureen Arthur)--who happens to be Biggely's live-in girlfriend. Finch also gets rid of the troublesome Mr. Ovington (Murray Matheson) by exposing the latter as an alumnus of Old Ivy's hated rival university. Graduating to vice-president, Finch feels secure enough to sing the show's one genuine love song "I Believe In You"--to himself! Actually, he's really in love with true-blue secretary Rosemary (Michele Lee), but won't admit to this until he suffers a career setback. Most of Loesser's songs survived the transition from stage to screen, with the exception of "Paris Original," which is heard merely as background music. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: David Swift
Written By: David Swift
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1967 Wide
On DVD: May 15, 2001

Critic Reviews

James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
A great Broadway show becomes a great movie, thanks largely to Morse
Karina Montgomery, Cinerina
Truncated from the show, Morse truly bizarre
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
'A day without a wicket is a day without sunshine.' Remember it. Cherish it. Like the film itself.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...perfect synthesis of singing, dancing, comedy, and satire, a show that brought scintillating dialogue, sharp-edged lyrics, and catchy tunes into sharp focus.

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Such a hilarious musical comedy, it's charming and enjoyable, and has a great cast of not so well known actors. The story is just what it says, a young guy gets a book with the same title as the movie, and follows the steps to quickly climb the corporate ladder with so much… More
Such a hilarious musical comedy, it's charming and enjoyable, and has a great cast of not so well known actors. The story is just what it says, a young guy gets a book with the same title as the movie, and follows the steps to quickly climb the corporate ladder with so much ease, that it's ridiculous. This makes fun of the corporate workplace and job hunting. I loved it, and I highly recommend it.
Mark H

Bright, splashy film musical about an ambitious young window washer who rises through the ranks of a large corporation following the advice of a self-help book. Textbook example of how to do everything right in translating a musical from stage to film. Features a wonderful Frank… More
Bright, splashy film musical about an ambitious young window washer who rises through the ranks of a large corporation following the advice of a self-help book. Textbook example of how to do everything right in translating a musical from stage to film. Features a wonderful Frank Loesser score including the songs, "I Believe In You" and "The Brotherhood of Man". Robert Morse and Rudy Vallee reprise their original Broadway roles. Film debut of Michele Lee.
Ken S

Far from my favorite musical, but still fun. The Coen's borrowed from this liberally for The Hudsucker Proxy.

Cast

            Robert Morse as J. Pierpont Finch

            Michele Lee as Rosemary Pilkington

            Rudy Vallee as Jasper B. Biggley

            Anthony Teague as Bud Frump

            Maureen Arthur as Hedy LaRue

            Sammy Smith as Wally Womper

            Murray Matheson as Benjamin Ovington

            Don Kay Reynolds as Smitty

            John Myhers as Bert O. Bratt

            Jeff de Benning as Gatch

            Ruth Kobart as Miss Jones

            Carol Worthington as Lucille Krumholtz

            Janice Carroll as Brenda

            Lory Patrick as Receptionist

            Pat O'Moore as Media Man No. I

            Wally Strauss as Media Man No. 2

            Dan Tobin as Johnson

            Robert Q. Lewis as Tackaberry

            John Holland as Matthews

            Paul Hartman as Toynbee

            Justin Smith as Jenkins

            George Fenneman as TV Announcer (Himself)

            Anne Seymour as Gertrude Biggley

            Joey Faye as Taxi Cab Driver

            Helen Verbit as Finch's Landlady

            Virginia Sale as Cleaning Woman

            Al Nessor as Newspaper Seller

            Ivan Volkman as The President of the U.S.

            Carl Princi as 1st Junior Executive

            David Swift as Elevator Operator [uncredited]

            Hy Averback as 2nd Executive

            Erin O'Brien-Moore as Mrs. Frump

            Sheila Rogers as 1st Girl

            Tucker Smith as Junior Executive

            Robert Sweeney as 3rd Junior Executive

            Margaret Mason
            
            Paul Bradley as TV Board Member
See full cast