A lot of films from the late 1950s and early 1960s billed themselves as "adult" style films because they dealt (superficially) with subjects such as sexual orientation, illicit love affairs, ruthless business people, racism, drug addiction, alcoholism, and so on. I guess "Madison Avenue" could be considered one of those films. It's decent but certainly wouldn't be considered remotely "adult" these days.
Advertising hotshot Clint Lorimer (Dana Andrews) decides he's going to drum up business by taking over the moribund advertising agency run by Anne Tremaine (Eleanor Parker). Together they promote a dimwitted and childish milk magnate Harvey Ames (Eddie Albert) and have him in line for the White House. Lorimer and Tremaine have second thoughts, torpedo Ames' candidacy, then have to deal with the inevitable repercussions.
Dana Andrews and the beautiful Jeanne Crain star as characters who have an on-again, off-again love affair throughout the movie. Andrews is his usual self, but it's hard to take one's eyes off Crain, she's so stunning at age 36.
A few things identify this film as one from the early 1960s. First, everyone is smoking and drinking like crazy. The National Institute of Health would likely be aghast if this movie were released today. I mean, people never quit smoking and drinking heavily from sunup to bedtime. Second, the movie has the usual early 1960s condescending attitudes toward women, especially business people. It's nice to see Parker cast as a businesswoman, but when Andrews tells Parker, "The average businessman looking for the deal, not the dame", I always cringe.
Everyone does a good job, but as usual Eddie Albert stands out. His portrayal of a naïve, slow-witted rich guy who inherited his money is spot on. Andrews, Parker, and especially Crain do quite well, also. Kathleen Freeman is fun as a frumpy secretary in a dying business. You won't be overwhelmed with emotion, but on its own terms, "Madison Avenue" is fairly good.
Advertising hotshot Clint Lorimer (Dana Andrews) decides he's going to drum up business by taking over the moribund advertising agency run by Anne Tremaine (Eleanor Parker). Together they promote a dimwitted and childish milk magnate Harvey Ames (Eddie Albert) and have him in line for the White House. Lorimer and Tremaine have second thoughts, torpedo Ames' candidacy, then have to deal with the inevitable repercussions.
Dana Andrews and the beautiful Jeanne Crain star as characters who have an on-again, off-again love affair throughout the movie. Andrews is his usual self, but it's hard to take one's eyes off Crain, she's so stunning at age 36.
A few things identify this film as one from the early 1960s. First, everyone is smoking and drinking like crazy. The National Institute of Health would likely be aghast if this movie were released today. I mean, people never quit smoking and drinking heavily from sunup to bedtime. Second, the movie has the usual early 1960s condescending attitudes toward women, especially business people. It's nice to see Parker cast as a businesswoman, but when Andrews tells Parker, "The average businessman looking for the deal, not the dame", I always cringe.
Everyone does a good job, but as usual Eddie Albert stands out. His portrayal of a naïve, slow-witted rich guy who inherited his money is spot on. Andrews, Parker, and especially Crain do quite well, also. Kathleen Freeman is fun as a frumpy secretary in a dying business. You won't be overwhelmed with emotion, but on its own terms, "Madison Avenue" is fairly good.