Playwright James Lee adapted his off-Broadway play for the screen in this high-strung adaptation, directed by Joseph Anthony. In this simplistic, backroom show-business-success saga, Anthony Franciosa plays Sam, a struggling young actor who will forsake his family and take any type of menial job in order to become a Broadway star. Dean Martin is on hand as Maury, an aspiring director also trying to claw his way up the ladder of success. When Maury gets his big break, Sam wants a part in his show, but when Maury, who is unwilling to cast Sam in the production, turns down Sam's request, Sam seduces and marries Maury's girlfriend (Shirley MacLaine). In spite of everything, Maury wants his girl back, and Sam agrees to a divorce on the stipulation that Maury cast him as the star in his next show. Once again, Maury reneges and, before Sam can exact his revenge, Uncle Sam comes to the rescue and he is drafted into the army.
Dean Martin
as Maurice 'Maury' Novak
Anthony Franciosa
as Sam Lawson
Shirley MacLaine
as Sharon Kensington
Carolyn Jones
as Shirley Drake
Joan Blackman
as Barbara Lawson Helmsley
Robert Middleton
as Robert Kensington
Donna Douglas
as Marjorie Burke
Jerry Paris
as Allan Burke
Frank McHugh
as Charlie Gallagher
Chuck Wassil
as Eric Peters
Mary Treen
as Marie, Secretary to Shirley Drake
Yuki Shimoda
as Yosho
