There are two interesting changes in the film version of PATTERNS and the previous television drama version. First, Richard Kiley (unlike Ed Begley Sr. and Everett Sloane) was replaced in his part by Van Heflin. Secondly Begley's character Andy Sloane was changed in name to Bill Briggs. This may have been because of confusion for the audience in Begley's original name and his co-star's last name (Everett Sloane). But it is a minor change.

The thrust of the film's views on corporate philosophy in America remains as tough and unsentimental here as in the television version. Heflin's Fred Staples is a bit older than Kiley's, which slightly undercuts that figures' weakness (his naivety when he arrives in the world of high corporate politics) but it enables his growing friendship with Begley to seem more realistic - they are from closer age groups, and Begley can tell that Heflin is not trying to be a threat that a younger man might be. Sloane's Ramsay is still the human icicle, who is only interested in the growth and development of his corporation - and not with outdated ideas that Begley keeps pushing. That said, he still shows regret - after Begley dies we see Sloane back in the fatal board room where the tragedy occurred, and he is upset about the deadly result of his actions on Begley. But when confronted by a furious Heflin Sloane is ready to defend his policies and philosophy of the bottom line of business as well as anyone can.

The film is excellent, and if I favor the television play more it is simply that the television play was there first - and hit the right notes as well. I still recommend seeing the film if you can't see the original kine-scope of the television version. You won't be disappointed.

"Patterns" is a film that was originally a television play. Like other exceptional teleplays such as "Marty" and "Days of Wine and Roses", Hollywood decided to remake the story--but with production values far better than the live TV broadcast. Yes, the teleplay for "Patterns" was originally done LIVE--and I sure would love to know if I can find a copy of the original show. If it's available, let me know--I'd love to compare it to this United Artist film.

The movie begins with Van Heflin arriving at a new job working on the board of a corporation. Although he's happy to be there, he soon becomes dismayed to see how tough things are for a long-time board member (Ed Begley), as it seems that the intention is to slowly ease Begley out and have Heflin take over these duties. The problem is that Begley is a nice guy and he has a lot of good ideas...but somehow, for some reason, the CEO (Everett Sloane) hates Begley--and treats him like dirt. Tune in to see where all this goes--it's well worth the wait.

The film, like another of Rod Serling's famous teleplays ("Requiem for a Heavyweight"), is great for two reasons. First, the writing is exceptional. Second, like "Requiem", the story features some very dark characters--and gives them great gritty dialog. While the story is VERY simple, because the characters are so interesting, you can't help but admire the film. It's NOT an especially exciting or glitzy production, but is quality throughout thanks mostly to the writing but also to some wonderful second-tier actors who made the most of the material. They were second-tier because they were not the most famous actors--more journeymen who knew their craft.

UPDATE: I found a copy of the teleplay on YouTube and so can you.