The Carpetbaggers - 1964 - 6/10

Having recently watched Nevada Smith, I opted to take another look at the predecessor.
Although this is set roughly a generation later, and Smith a faded film star.
The real story is of Jonas Cord, the arrogant, powerful son of Smith’s old mentor.
Cord is a thinly disguised, glamourous version of Howard Hughes, during his enfant terrible period.
Filmmaking, working on aircraft, enjoying the gusher of oil.
George Peppard plays despicable to the hilt, but he wears the role like a glove.
Carroll Baker plays his sexpot stepmother, the two together generate a lot of sizzle.
Best is, perhaps, Alan Ladd in his final role.
Trashy, titillating potboiler, tamer than the book by Basil Fawlty’s favorite author.