MovieChat Forums > The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956) Discussion > Sloan Wilson wanted Monty Clift as Tom R...

Sloan Wilson wanted Monty Clift as Tom Rath

posted 15 years ago by rac701
6 replies | jump to latest

I read an interview with Sloan Wilson, in which he stated he would have preferred Montgomery Clift as Tom Rath in the film version of his best-selling novel, rather than Gregory Peck.

Although Wilson liked Peck, he thought Clift more accurately represented the character of Tom Rath, in physicality as well as in demeanor, as Wilson had written him. Peck's screen image, Wilson felt, was too large, confident and heroic for his fictional protagonist.

[–] film_flam_man 15 years ago

Interesting point. I think Peck's contribution was his ability to generally fit in as a mainstream executive but not outwardly display the scars of his past (in common with many men of that era). Clift might've come across as too clearly troubled (or at least moodier).

[–] ideabook 14 years ago

Wow, the thought of that just blew my mind.

Actually, Clift would have been great in that role. As an ex-GI I may have had a hard time seeing him in the role as an airborne infantry leader and CPT, but the rest would have really been interesting to see.

However, Peck did a great job with a role that will, I believe, go down in film history with a film showing American at its ultimate heights across the board.

Peck, I also think, is one of the top 3 actors America has ever produced. He is damn good.

[–] manage-932-700755 12 years ago

Having read the book, I think Peck fit and played the role of Tom Rath perfectly. I think Clift would have been off target in the role. I don't recall Clift ever playing a mainstream American businessman or professional. If the author had envisioned Clift, I may have missed something in the novel.

[–] rac701 12 years ago

Since the fictional "Tom Rath" character in "The Man In The Gray Flannel Suit" was created by the author's imagination, I'd have to defer to his preference as to whom he would have rather seen play the role.

But -- we'll never know how Clift would have been, and Gregory Peck was very good.

[–] oldblackandwhite 10 years ago

Trying to take over as casting director was no doubt one of the many irritating qualities typically diplayed by the authors of books being made into movies which caused many directors and producers to ban them from the sets. The requirements for characterization in a motion picture are quite diffenent than for a novel. Peck was perfect for the role as called for in the movie version.

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He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good... St. Matthew 5:45

[–] Cosmonican 10 years ago

I agree with Mr. Wilson, using Peck in this role is like using a sledgehammer to pound in a carpet tack. Clift would have been more convincing, other actors like Glen Ford, or Dana Andrews could have fit the bill too.