The Dream Merchants
The Dream Merchants is an American novel written by Harold Robbins and published in 1949. Set in the early 20th century, the book is a "rags-to-riches" story of a penniless young man who goes to Hollywood and builds a great film studio. A former Universal Studios employee, author Harold Robbins based the main character on Universal's founder, Carl Laemmle. With the Hollywood history in the backdrop, it is a love story.Adaptation
In 1980, the book was made into a two-part miniseries. It was directed by Vincent Sherman.Primary cast
- Mark Harmon : Johnny Edge
- Vincent Gardenia : Peter Kessler
- Morgan Fairchild : Dulcie Warren
- Brianne Leary : Doris Kessler
- Robert Picardo : Mark Kessler
- Eve Arden : Coralee
- Kaye Ballard : Esther Kessler
- Morgan Brittany : Astrid James
- Red Buttons : Bruce Benson
- Robert Culp : Henry Farnum
- Howard Duff : Charles Slade
- José Ferrer : George Pappas
- Robert Goulet : Craig Warren
- David Groh : Rocco Salvatore
- Carolyn Jones : Vera
- Fernando Lamas : Conrad Stillman
- Ray Milland : Lawrence Radford
- Jan Murray : Murray Tucker
- Don "Red" Barry : Captain Casey