In 'What Makes Sammy Run?', Budd Schulberg explores the dark underbelly of ambition in the world of screenwriting and Hollywood. The story follows a young, relentless go-getter named Sammy Glick, whose insatiable drive for success leads him to manipulate anyone in his path. Through the eyes of a disillusioned writer, readers are taken on a thrilling journey of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of climbing the social ladder. As Sammy's star rises, so do questions about morality, integrity, and the true meaning of success. Will Sammy's fast track to fame come with a price that he may not be willing to pay?
By Budd Schulberg
Published: 1993
""The truth is that ambition is the strongest drug of all, and the hunger for success can drive a man to run without ever looking back.""
The classic book that shaped two generations’ view of the movie business and introduced the archetypal Hollywood player Sammy Glick. He’s got a machete mouth and a genius for double-cross. As Budd Shulberg—author of the screenplay On the Waterfront—follows Sammy’s relentless upward progress, he creates a virtuoso study in character that manages to be hilariously appalling yet deeply compassionate. “Sammy Glick remains at the top of the Hollywood sleaze heap, a hustler nonpareil…. What Makes Sammy Run? Is still the quintessential novel about “the all-American heel.’” – Moredcai Richler, GQ
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“"The truth is that ambition is the strongest drug of all, and the hunger for success can drive a man to run without ever looking back."”
What Makes Sammy Run?
By Budd Schulberg
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Budd Schulberg (1914-2009) was an American screenwriter and novelist, renowned for his deep understanding of the American social landscape and its complexities. He is best known for his acclaimed novel 'What Makes Sammy Run?' which explores the ruthless ambition of a young writer in the entertainment industry. Schulberg's other notable works include 'The Harder They Fall,' a piercing critique of the boxing world, and 'On the Waterfront,' which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Story. His writing style is characterized by sharp dialogue, vivid characterizations, and a keen sense of irony, often reflecting the moral ambiguities of American life. Schulberg's contributions to literature and film have earned him a prominent place in 20th-century American culture.
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