The Hucksters

1947
Approved
1h 55m

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

YOUR RATING

Play trailer4:09

1 Video

17 Photos

Comedy Drama Romance

A World War II veteran wants to return to advertising on his own terms, but finds it difficult to be successful and maintain his integrity.A World War II veteran wants to return to advertising on his own terms, but finds it difficult to be successful and maintain his integrity.A World War II veteran wants to return to advertising on his own terms, but finds it difficult to be successful and maintain his integrity.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
As the start of production neared, Ava Gardner got cold feet about co-starring with Clark Gable, whom she had idolized since childhood. Arthur Hornblow asked Gable to call her, and he told her: "I'm supposed to talk you into doing this thing. But I'm not going to. I hated it when they did that to me. But I hope you change your mind, kid, I think it would be fun to work together." The two remained friends for life.

Goofs
When Vic and Kay are lying on the beach at night, the background of the sea is a still shot; the waves stay fixed during the entire scene.

Quotes
Tie Sales Clerk: Anything?
Victor Albee Norman: I want a very sincere necktie.
Tie Sales Clerk: I beg your pardon?
Victor Albee Norman: I want something that makes me seem sincere. You know, honest; genuine; upright; trustworthy.
Tie Sales Clerk: Well... um, here's a handpainted one in four colors; at thirty-five dollars. Is that sincere enough?
Victor Albee Norman: I think, my friend, any more sincerity would be downright foolhardy.

Connections
Featured in Inside the Dream Factory (1995)

Soundtracks
Don't Tell Me
(uncredited)
Written by Buddy Pepper
Sung by Eileen Wilson (Ava Gardner singing voice)

User reviews37

Review

Featured review

9/10

One of Gable's better films, though it is often forgotten

This film is a very cynical look at the advertising business. Gable plays a slick liar who could charm the stripes off a snake who sets out to charm a widow for his own ends. However, over time he grows to hate himself and his sleazy business--ultimately culminating with a confrontation with the revolting and incredibly disgusting Sidney Greenstreet! Speaking of Mr. Greenstreet, he is FABULOUS in the film as the president from a soap factory with no soul. You MUST see the segment when he is first introduced, as it is one of the most memorable and disgusting scenes in the 1940s! You gotta see it to believe it! Also notable is the performance of a young Keenan Wynn as an obnoxious and untalented star. He does a good job of being annoying!