Ruthless (1948)

In the glimmering world of Wall Street, where opulence is the norm, Horace Woodruff Vendig stands atop as an extraordinarily affluent businessman. Known affectionately as ‘Woody’ by his college companions, he is preparing to host an extravagant, invitation-only soirée at his mansion, which he intends to donate to a charity promoting world peace. But beneath this lustrous façade of philanthropy and wealth lies a past marred by humble beginnings and a turbulent family life. The soirée, teeming with friends turned adversaries and erstwhile allies, is not as it appears. Vendig's ostensible philanthropy masks his true intentions: a pursuit of financial gain, concealed beneath an veneer of moral uprightness. His guests, many of whom have been wronged by him, are integral to maintaining this illusion. Among them is his oldest acquaintance, engineer Vic Lambdin, a cherished childhood friend who later became a business partner, and a crucial figure in Vendig’s rise to power. As the evening unfolds, Vendig's life story unravels through a series of flashbacks. Once an inseparable trio, Vendig, Vic and Martha Burnside lived contrasting childhoods - Vendig’s marred by hardship, while Vic and Martha were comfortably nestled in affluence. The Burnsides, out of circumstance, sheltered a young Vendig, despite his parents being alive. As they blossomed into adulthood, Martha chose Vendig over Vic, igniting a love triangle that would leave a lasting impact. Vendig’s ascent to the pinnacle of wealth was paved with relentless ambition and ruthless strategies. His affable demeanor and apparent sincerity opened doors, and he didn't hesitate to step on those who aided his rise, discarding them as he climbed higher. His romantic interests were not spared either, as he courted women who could aid his pursuit of wealth, leaving even Martha, the only woman he truly loved, in his wake. The soirée takes a turn as Vic arrives with his girlfriend, Mallory Flagg, a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Martha. Unseen threads of Vendig's past begin to weave into the present, setting the stage for an evening that promises to be anything but ordinary. As the past and the present collide, Vendig is forced to confront the ruthless path he tread to reach the top, with Mallory serving as a poignant reminder of the one true love he discarded along the way.

Ruthless is a drama movie featuring Zachary Scott and directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.

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