How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Synopsis

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a 1967 musical comedy film starring Robert Morse as J. Pierrepont Finch, a charming and ambitious window washer who cunningly climbs the corporate ladder at the World Wide Wicket Company. Adapted from the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, the film blends satire and humor to depict office politics, corporate intrigue, and the absurdities of business culture. With lively song and dance numbers, it highlights Finch’s ingenious schemes to achieve success without the typical hard work, offering a witty critique of corporate America in the 1960s.

Cast

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  Robert Morse

  J. Pierpont Finch

• 

  Michele Lee

  Rosemary Pilkington

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  Rudy Vallee

  Jasper B. Biggley

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  Scooter Teague

  Bud Frump

• 

  Maureen Arthur

  Hedy LaRue

• 

  John Myhers

  Bert O. Bratt

Reviews

Critical reception of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying has been generally positive, with particular praise for its charm and musical numbers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 92% approval rating, reflecting strong appreciation for its lighthearted satire and clever adaptation from stage to screen. Critics have lauded Robert Morse's energetic performance as the lead, highlighting his charisma and comic timing as key strengths. The film’s direction and musical score have been noted for capturing the essence of the original Broadway show. However, some reviews point out that the movie’s humor and style may feel dated to contemporary viewers, and its pacing can occasionally lag compared to modern comedy films. On IMDb, the film has maintained a solid rating of 7.2/10, suggesting a favorable but modest reception among audiences. Metacritic does not provide a score for this film, but overall, it is viewed as a classic example of 1960s musical satire with enduring appeal for fans of the genre.

See also

Mary Poppins

Into the Woods

Shoplifters

Creep