Fame Is the Name of the Game (1966)

Introduction
"Fame Is the Name of the Game" is a two-hour-long American television film that aired on NBC in November 1966. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg and written by Leslie Stevens, the film is an unique mix of drama, secret, and crime. The film stars several notable stars including Tony Franciosa, Jill St. John, Jack Klugman, George McReady, and Robert Duvall. The film is best known for being the pilot of the successful television series "The Name of the Game".

Plot Summary
"Fame Is the Name of the Game" revolves around the ambitious and talented investigative reporter, Jeff Dillon, depicted by Tony Franciosa. Jeff works for a popular publication called "People". His manager, Glenn Howard (played by George Macready) appoints him an investigative story-- to uncover the darker elements behind the unexpected death of a young woman, E.J. Mobley.

Dillon's investigation takes him through different layers of the society, gradually exposing a complicated web of dubious service deals, corruption, and sex trading. As he dives deeper into the secret, he understands that E.J. Mobley's death hides a more ominous reality than anticipated. Jeff deals with difficult challenges that test both his professional and personal borders, especially when he succumbs to a call girl, Peggy Maxwell played by Jill St. John. She assists him collect crucial info about E.J. Mobley's death.

In his effort to unwind the secret, Jeff uncovers the seamy underbelly of sex trafficking, company rackets, and extensive corruption in the corporate world. As he finds the reality, death risks come his way, but he remains undeterred.

Conclusion of the Film
Regardless of the hazards and intimidation, Dillon discovers the fact - E.J. Mobley, a call lady and drug carrier, was eliminated as part of a bigger scheme to control the drug trade in the city. The drug racket was planned and executed by a business magnate to fund his business expansion. Dillon exposes this corruption in a cutting-edge article. The movie ends with Dillon being applauded and commemorated for his audacity, perseverance, and courage in breaking the story within such a hazardous context.

Impact and Legacy
"Fame Is the Name of the Game" was the first TV movie that was turned into a routine series, "The Name of the Game", which aired on NBC from 1968 to 1971. The show borrowed the essence from the original film, following the lives of the magazine's staff members as they countered similar investigative stories.

The film received favorable reviews for its ingenious idea, its appealing narrative, and outstanding performances by the ensemble cast. Tony Franciosa's portrayal of Jeff Dillon was much valued, leading him to a routine role in the subsequent television series.

General Verdict
"Fame Is the Name of the Game" was a landmark film that flawlessly integrates aspects of drama, crime, and secret. It mesmerizes viewers by taking them on an awesome journey of investigative journalism, laced with social concerns and corporate world corruption. Its pioneering method to storytelling sculpted a path for future tv programs, making it an influential piece in television history.

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