Budd Schulberg's novel, *What Makes Sammy Run?*, offers a compelling narrative of ambition and betrayal through the character of Sammy Glick. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Hollywood, the story follows Sammy's meteoric rise from a humble copyboy to a top screenwriter, revealing the darker side of the American Dream. This article delves into Sammy's character arc, examining his relentless drive and the consequences of his actions.
Sammy's Ambitious Beginnings
Sammy Glick's journey
begins in New York's Lower East Side, where he is determined to escape the confines of his impoverished upbringing. From a young age, Sammy is portrayed as fiercely ambitious, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. His first significant step up the ladder comes when he impresses the managing editor by rewriting a column, earning him a position as a columnist. This early success sets the tone for Sammy's career, characterized by his willingness to deceive and betray others to achieve his goals.
Sammy's ambition is further highlighted when he steals a screenplay from an aspiring writer, Julian Blumberg, and sells it under his own name. This act of betrayal not only propels Sammy into the Hollywood spotlight but also establishes a pattern of behavior that defines his rise to power. Throughout the novel, Sammy's actions are driven by a relentless pursuit of success, often at the expense of those around him.
The Cost of Success
As Sammy climbs the ranks in Hollywood, the novel explores the personal and professional costs of his ambition. Despite his success, Sammy's relationships are fraught with tension and deceit. His manipulation of those around him, including his ghostwriter Blumberg and his girlfriend Rosalie, reveals a deep-seated insecurity and fear of failure. Sammy's inability to form genuine connections underscores the emptiness of his achievements.
The novel also examines the impact of Sammy's actions on those he leaves in his wake. Characters like Al Manheim, the narrator and Sammy's reluctant mentor, are both fascinated and repulsed by Sammy's behavior. Manheim's observations provide a critical lens through which the reader can assess the moral implications of Sammy's rise to power. Ultimately, Sammy's success is portrayed as hollow, built on a foundation of lies and exploitation.
Sammy's Downfall
In the latter part of the novel, Sammy's relentless ambition begins to unravel. His personal life is marked by isolation and dissatisfaction, as he struggles to find fulfillment in his achievements. The novel's climax reveals a desperate and vulnerable Sammy, unable to cope with the loneliness and emptiness that accompany his success.
Sammy's downfall is a poignant reminder of the novel's central theme: the dangers of unchecked ambition. Schulberg's portrayal of Sammy Glick serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the moral and emotional costs of pursuing success at any cost. In the end, Sammy's story is a reflection on the darker side of the American Dream, where the pursuit of power and wealth can lead to personal ruin.
