The Best of Everything

The Best of Everything, a 1959 dramatic feature film directed by Jean Negulesco, offers a vibrant portrayal of post-war New York City through its depiction of the intertwining lives of women navigating the corporate scene. The film's key narrative revolves around three female protagonists, each of whom is trying to carve out a successful career amid the challenges posed by romantic entanglements, personal ambitions, and societal expectations. The central characters are brought to life by an impressive ensemble that includes Hope Lange, Stephen Boyd, and Suzy Parker.

The film is adapted from Rona Jaffe's best-selling novel of the same name. It paints a picture of the aspiring working women in 1950s New York, delving into their hopes, dreams, triumphs, and struggles. The narrative primarily centers on Caroline Bender, portrayed impressively by Hope Lange, who lands a job at Fabian Publishing, a prestigious publishing house.

Caroline begins as a typist, an ordinary cog in the corporate machinery. However, her ambitions lie far beyond. Her dream is to ascend the corporate ladder and to make a niche for herself in the editorial department. This is the era when the glass ceiling was not just intact but formidable and unyielding. Through Caroline's journey, viewers glimpse the stark gender dynamics at play within mid-century corporate America.

Caroline's co-workers and roommates, April and Gregg, are also central to the narrative, creating an interesting intersection of storylines. April, played by Diane Baker, is the quintessential good girl, dreaming of a conventional life complete with a loving husband and children. On the other end of the spectrum, Suzy Parker's Gregg is an aspiring actress who is romantically entangled with a Broadway producer.

Stephen Boyd's portrayal of Mike Rice, an editor at Fabian, provides a crucial male perspective within the mostly female-centric narrative. His character presents a marked contrast to the callous and dismissive attitudes of most men in the film. Throughout the film, he plays an integral part in the women's professional and personal journeys as they navigate the turbulent world of corporate New York.

The movie brilliantly presents the dynamics that the women have to contend with – the glaring gender disparity, the dismissive attitudes, and the sexist expectations. The film manages to showcase the insidious sexism that was prevalent during the time without indulging in heavy preaching, thus making its point subtly but effectively.

Visually, the film is a delight, capturing the allure and energy of New York in the late 1950s. The costume, set design, and cinematography are excellent, placing viewers right in the heart of the era. Its title song, performed by Johnny Mathis, was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Original Song category.

The Best of Everything combines a rich narrative with fascinating characters that encapsulate the struggles and triumphs of women in a predominantly male-oriented workplace. Moreover, it also offers a commentary on gender dynamics and the societal norms of the era, effortlessly drawing in the audience with its authenticity and emotional depth.

Director Jean Negulesco effectively presents a fascinating account of ambition, love, heartbreak, sexism, and success as experienced by these women. Hope Lange, Stephen Boyd, and Suzy Parker deliver compelling performances, successfully bringing their complex characters to life. Additionally, Joan Crawford makes a notable contribution to the narrative in her role as Amanda Farrow, the stern and hardened editor-in-chief, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

In conclusion, The Best of Everything is a vibrant film that offers a rare-for-its-time perspective on the lives of women in the workforce during the 1950s. It is a captivating blend of drama, romance, and social commentary, brimming with engaging performances and direction that continue to resonate today. Roll back the years and revisit this classic film that charts the struggles and triumphs of three women who dared to dream and defy the societal norms of their time.