on the plot and characters.
The Carpetbaggers follows the rise of Jonas Cord Jr. (played by George Peppard), a wealthy and ambitious industrialist who inherits his father's empire and uses his resources to pursue his dreams of film production and aviation. Along the way, he crosses paths with a range of colorful characters, including Rina Marlowe (played by Elizabeth Ashley), a struggling actress who becomes his lover and muse; Nevada Smith (played by Alan Ladd), a former gunslinger turned actor who becomes Cord's best friend and collaborator; and Monica Winthrop (played by Carroll Baker), a beautiful and manipulative starlet who becomes Cord's nemesis.
As Cord navigates the cutthroat world of Hollywood and business, he faces a series of personal and professional challenges that put his skills and mental resilience to the test. He must deal with the death of his father, the betrayal of his friends and associates, and his own internal demons as he seeks to achieve his goals and prove himself worthy of his legacy.
The film explores themes of ambition, power, sexuality, and identity, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of big business and Hollywood in the mid-20th century. With its stylized direction, sweeping cinematography, and powerhouse performances by its ensemble cast, The Carpetbaggers remains a classic example of Hollywood glamour and excess.