Loosely considered a film noir, this plot is barely gray and does not have much mystery or drama. It is however, mildly entertaining.
The story opens with a young actor (Hayward), playing an unconvincingly aged version of Vic, who used to be best pal with Horace (Scott) allegedly many years previously.
Horace is nowadays a mega rich guy who invited lots of people to his mansion to - sort of - making amends for his ruthless ways of the past.
The narrative works mainly in flashbacks during the party, showing how Vic and Horace were friends and how Vic grew disenchanted with his greedy friend (and later associate) and parted ways.
The first scenes may be slightly reminiscent of Citizen Kane, without the artsy pretentiousness (but also the superior skills of Welles).
Not much happens in terms of drama, once the philandering, greedy nature of Horace has been established. Horace just continues being an unredeemable character to the end.
Still, worth watching, also for the rather unexpected lavish production.
The story opens with a young actor (Hayward), playing an unconvincingly aged version of Vic, who used to be best pal with Horace (Scott) allegedly many years previously.
Horace is nowadays a mega rich guy who invited lots of people to his mansion to - sort of - making amends for his ruthless ways of the past.
The narrative works mainly in flashbacks during the party, showing how Vic and Horace were friends and how Vic grew disenchanted with his greedy friend (and later associate) and parted ways.
The first scenes may be slightly reminiscent of Citizen Kane, without the artsy pretentiousness (but also the superior skills of Welles).
Not much happens in terms of drama, once the philandering, greedy nature of Horace has been established. Horace just continues being an unredeemable character to the end.
Still, worth watching, also for the rather unexpected lavish production.