Pittsburgh

An American drama; A story about a coal-miner with a ruthless ambition in the Pittsburgh steel industry, only to find himself deserted and lonely at the top. With themes about taking a chance vs redemption and the price of success it becomes predictable in its tale about valuing wealth and power over friends, lovers, and ideals. It has a propaganda feel about inspiring workers to work harder in order to help the WWII War effort. John Wayne gives a solid performance as the crude, wise-cracking upstart, and Randolph Scott is well cast as his more thoughtful partner and Scott plays him with charm and equal power. Marlene Dietrich as a high-class countess looks striking but the romantic plot is so underdeveloped she is just part of a subplot. All in all, it is diverting but weighed down by the end by its heavy message about the greater good.