The Carpetbaggers (1964)

Carpetbagger (noun): any opportunistic or exploitive outsider

Jonas Cord Jr. (George Peppard) is an embittered tycoon who inherits his neglectful father’s wealth at a young age. Jonas sets out on a path of unexplained self destruction buying or destroying everyone in his way. It’s not until he is confronted by long time friend/mentor Nevada Smith (Alan Ladd) that Jonas sees what he has become.

The Carpetbaggers is a classic Hollywood soap opera that once was deemed for ‘Adults Only’. In this day and age, there’s hardly anything found to be offensive.  It will raise a few eyebrows mainly because you wonder ‘how did they get away with that’.

Filled with broads, bedroom scenes, cigarettes, and lots of leg, The Carpetbaggers also has enough subplots to make your head spin. George Peppard is fascinating to watch as Cord. During this two hour power-trip he is brutal and cold, but his evolution to soulless is subtle and perfectly executed. Alan Ladd as the long-suffering friend turned enemy is top-notch.

The production is lavish—reminiscent of Dallas. Every detail is luscious—gawdy even. There are moments of melodrama, but The Carpetbaggers delivers on every tawdry level thanks to the exceptional cast. As I see it, Hollywood doesn’t make fine trash like this anymore.  Certainly a must-see for old Hollywood fans.