There are two interesting changes in the film version of PATTERNS and the previous television drama version. First, Richard Kiley (unlike Ed Begley Sr. and Everett Sloane) was replaced in his part by Van Heflin. Secondly Begley's character Andy Sloane was changed in name to Bill Briggs. This may have been because of confusion for the audience in Begley's original name and his co-star's last name (Everett Sloane). But it is a minor change.
The thrust of the film's views on corporate philosophy in America remains as tough and unsentimental here as in the television version. Heflin's Fred Staples is a bit older than Kiley's, which slightly undercuts that figures' weakness (his naivety when he arrives in the world of high corporate politics) but it enables his growing friendship with Begley to seem more realistic - they are from closer age groups, and Begley can tell that Heflin is not trying to be a threat that a younger man might be. Sloane's Ramsay is still the human icicle, who is only interested in the growth and development of his corporation - and not with outdated ideas that Begley keeps pushing. That said, he still shows regret - after Begley dies we see Sloane back in the fatal board room where the tragedy occurred, and he is upset about the deadly result of his actions on Begley. But when confronted by a furious Heflin Sloane is ready to defend his policies and philosophy of the bottom line of business as well as anyone can.
The film is excellent, and if I favor the television play more it is simply that the television play was there first - and hit the right notes as well. I still recommend seeing the film if you can't see the original kine-scope of the television version. You won't be disappointed.
The thrust of the film's views on corporate philosophy in America remains as tough and unsentimental here as in the television version. Heflin's Fred Staples is a bit older than Kiley's, which slightly undercuts that figures' weakness (his naivety when he arrives in the world of high corporate politics) but it enables his growing friendship with Begley to seem more realistic - they are from closer age groups, and Begley can tell that Heflin is not trying to be a threat that a younger man might be. Sloane's Ramsay is still the human icicle, who is only interested in the growth and development of his corporation - and not with outdated ideas that Begley keeps pushing. That said, he still shows regret - after Begley dies we see Sloane back in the fatal board room where the tragedy occurred, and he is upset about the deadly result of his actions on Begley. But when confronted by a furious Heflin Sloane is ready to defend his policies and philosophy of the bottom line of business as well as anyone can.
The film is excellent, and if I favor the television play more it is simply that the television play was there first - and hit the right notes as well. I still recommend seeing the film if you can't see the original kine-scope of the television version. You won't be disappointed.