Review of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956) by Tonypolito — 02 Sep 2010

Dialogue-driven drama that studies the ethical plight of the 1950s organization man.

Peck has the mid-Century American Dream in his back pocket - a Harvard degree, distinguished WWII military service, a gorgeous wife in his idyllic home out in Connecticut and the keys to the executive washroom at a major television network.

But the Dream begins to unravel as he spends his time on the daily commuter train reliving the atrocities he saw - and committed - during the war. At the office, his choice is becoming the successful sycophant with the cushy chair and executive secretary - or taking the risk of doing good work toward real accomplishment.

To appease his wife, Peck may have to play the toady - and lie to her about his wartime past. Peck's a man come to his turning point, where he must decide which suit really fits best, morality or security.

The story does not play out as dramatically as it could, as the dialogue doesn't really have much bite to it - as compared to, say, "Executive Suite." Still, in its time, it was surely a good critical examination of what kind of dogs were stuffed into Manhattan wingtips.

RECOMMENDATION: For students of business or the era, worth a viewing.