Plot

President F. Ross Johnson of a major tobacco company decides to purchase the company himself, but a bidding war ensues as representatives from other companies make their own offers.

F. Ross Johnson, the CEO of RJR Nabisco decides that the time is ripe to take over his own company and enlists American Express. This kicks off a tide of other firms swarming in to tender offers. The outline of the film follows the actual takeover of the RJR Nabisco empire in a tongue in cheek way.—John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Based on a true story, this humor-tinged docudrama follows F. Ross Johnson, the CEO and president of the massive food and tobacco corporation RJR Nabisco, as he attempts to buy the company. Before long, other major players become involved, most notably ruthless executive Henry Kravis, which leads to clashes with Johnson. As the bids roll in, and Kravis makes his savvy moves, can Johnson win out in this battle of aggressive business tactics?—Jwelch5742

This first appeared on www.realmoviereview.com This Emmy-winning made-for-TV movie takes a humorous look at actual events in a big 1980s takeover war. It falls somewhere between a light drama and a comedy, but the seasoned professional acting (particularly lead James Garner) and experienced direction is far above usual TV standards. There is a pretty good story about excess and the battle for big bucks.

James Garner is F. Ross Johnson, who has gone from being a hardworking paperboy in Winnipeg, Canada to a jet setting, big spending CEO in NYC. When Johnson is faced with an expensive project that seems headed for failure, he chooses to deflect shareholder backlash by trying to raise the money to buy the company himself. It might have worked, but when a couple other green sharks get the whiff of possible profit, the bidding war is on. What follows is corporate juggling, scrambling, and general skulduggery in a world where all the numbers have nine zeroes.

Imagine a Wall Street where Gordon Gekko is a charming, nice guy (but greed is still good) and with a comedy slant, and you will have some idea of what to expect here. All in all, this is a pretty fun way to learn the difference between a corporate takeover and a hostile takeover. Admit it. You have always wanted to know.