The movie PATTERNS, written by Rod Serling and first shown as a teleplay in 1947, is about office politics, told through the eyes of a young initiate into the corporate world (Van Heflin) who has been hired to replace an older man (Ed Begley) – a fact not immediately apparent to either man. Except for Heflin, who replaced Richard Kiley on TV, the cast is the same as in the TV version. EXECUTIVE SUITE (1954) explores similar themes. The prez of the a large corporation drops dead. As he had never named a successor, the Board must choose one, for which various vain, villainous and valiant veeps vigorously vie. The large, impressive cast includes stalwart William Holden, bitter Barbara Stanwyck, stoic Walter Pidegon and conniving Louis Calhern. Also appearing are Shelley Winters, Paul Douglas, Dean Jagger and, as Holden's saccharin sweet, long-suffering wife, June Allyson. Both movies, though dated, are well acted and engaging. (Trivia note: one review at the time called PATTERNS a story with one point of view toward the fiercely competitive world of big business ... By comparison, Executive Suite might be 'Babes in Toyland' without a score. For sheer power of narrative, forcefulness of characterization and brilliant climax …)
