Ruthless

Synopsis

Ruthless, released in 1948, directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, follows the life of Horace Vendig (Zachary Scott), a man driven by ambition to climb the social ladder no matter the cost. The film delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the consequences of ruthless ambition. As Horace's past catches up with him, he must confront the choices he made and their impact on those around him. With captivating performances and a gripping narrative, Ruthless offers a compelling exploration of the dark side of success and the price of ambition.

Cast

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  Zachary Scott

  Horace Woodruff 'Woody' Vendig

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  Louis Hayward

  Vic Lambdin

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  Diana Lynn

  Martha Burnside / Mallory Flagg

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  Sydney Greenstreet

  Buck Mansfield

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  Lucille Bremer

  Christa Mansfield

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  Martha Vickers

  Susan Duane

Reviews

Ruthless has garnered mixed reviews from critics over the years. While some praise its engaging storyline and Zachary Scott's compelling performance as Horace Vendig, others criticize its melodramatic elements and predictable plot twists. IMDb rates the movie at 6.8/10, applauding its strong character development and atmospheric cinematography. Rotten Tomatoes gives Ruthless a perfect 100% score, with critics lauding its noir style and standout performances. However, some viewers find the film dated and its portrayal of ambition and sacrifice clichéd. In the end, Ruthless remains a classic piece of film noir that continues to divide opinions.