An American Dream

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An American Dream

Released Aug 31, 1966

1h 43m

Drama

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2 Reviews

20%

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50+ Ratings

Stephen Rojack (Stuart Whitman) is a decorated war vet who has now found success as an outspoken television personality. During a vicious argument with his wife, Deborah (Eleanor Parker), Stephen snaps and pushes her from his high-rise apartment to her death. He manages to convince the authorities that she killed herself, then reignites an old affair with singer Cherry McMahon (Janet Leigh) -- which doesn't sit well with her jealous mobster boyfriend, Nicky (Les Crane).

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

At least it has a chilling opening scene.

Rated: C

Jun 26, 2013

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

A disappointing version of Norman Mailer's novel, starring Stuart Whitman, Janet Leigh, and Eleanor Parker.

Rated: C

Mar 19, 2012

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Glen U

This movie has to be one of the most underrated films in the past 50+ years judging by the comments seen here. It presents an atmosphere that is depressing from the outset including the benchmark "over the top" performance by Eleanor Parker. But it never lets up, no comic relief, no sunny days as it guides us through the misery of Stuart Whitman's character Rojack. Of course if don't want to go through such a heavy atmosphere -skip it- but you will miss the twisty ending worthy of any Hitchcock movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

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Gary B

It's tempting to malign "An American Dream" with a bad review, but I found this 1966 dreamy thriller has quite a bit to offer, including a standout acting performance from both Stuart Whitman and his co-star Janet Leigh. I am particularly fond of how Los Angeles was captured, frozen in time in the 60s, as the backdrop for this psychological drama. If you aren't expecting fast action and brilliant dialogue, it's worth your time. And the theme music is a knockout.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/24

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Audience Member

I agree with the other reviewer. Pretty weak and dull, despite a strong cast. Really surprised it was shown on TCM.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

So-So drama with a good cast but missing a certain tension that would make it compelling. Eleanor Parker is in and out of the picture within fifteen minutes.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

A disappointing version of Norman Mailer's novel, starring Stuart Whitman, Janet Leigh, and Eleanor Parker.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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s r

A drama that tries for tragic but falls short. The opening scene does get your attention, but once you lose Eleanor you also lose interest because you don't identify with the odd characters.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Robert Gist

Director

Stuart Whitman

Stephen Rojack

Janet Leigh

Cherry McMahon

Eleanor Parker

Deborah Rojack

Barry Sullivan

Lieutenant Roberts

Lloyd Nolan

Barney Kelly

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Synopsis

Stephen Rojack (Stuart Whitman) is a decorated war vet who has now found success as an outspoken television personality. During a vicious argument with his wife, Deborah (Eleanor Parker), Stephen snaps and pushes her from his high-rise apartment to her death. He manages to convince the authorities that she killed herself, then reignites an old affair with singer Cherry McMahon (Janet Leigh) -- which doesn't sit well with her jealous mobster boyfriend, Nicky (Les Crane).

Director: Robert Gist
Producer: William Conrad
Screenwriter: Norman Mailer, Mann Rubin
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 31, 1966, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Mono

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