Patterns, Blu-ray (1955/2016)

by | Sep 28, 2016 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

An interesting restoration of a TV presentation with Rod Serling as the director, but no sci-fi.

Patterns, Blu-ray (1955/2016)

Cast: Van Heflin, Ed Begley, Everett Sloane
Director: Rod Serling
Studio: Kraft TV Theater (1955)/ United Artists/The Film Detective  FDO562 (8/30/16)
Video: 1.66:1 for 16:9 screens, B&W, restored
Audio: English mono DD
Length: 83 min.
Rating: ****

This is the tenth release on Blu-ray of a Film Detective restoration. The story of ruthless men clawing for control of a billion-dollar business empire first aired on the Kraft Television Theater in January 1955, and won the first of six Emmys for Rod Serling. The TV presentation was such a success that United Artists created a big screen feature, using most of the original cast, which was used for this restoration.

Van Heflin has the major role in this acid-etched chronicle of the cutthroat corporate world. He plays a businessman who has been attracted to New York City from his job in Pennsylvania, not knowing that he is meant to replace a very decent vice president who has his office right next to his and who he gets to know and like very much. The ruthless president of the corporation is intent on humiliating the VP into resigning. The president’s actions eventually kill the VP, and naked ambition prevails.

If you see Rod Serling’s name here, be advised that there is no sci-fi of any sort in this straightforward drama.

—John Sunier

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