53 pages • 1 hour read
What Makes Sammy Run?
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
328
Novel • Fiction
Hollywood, California • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
920L
Super Short Summary
What Makes Sammy Run?, by Budd Schulberg, is the story of Sammy Glick’s relentless rise through Hollywood in the mid-1930s, as observed by his colleague Al Manheim. Starting as a copy clerk, Sammy exploits others, including stealing a script to launch his screenwriting career. Despite his success, Sammy's drive leaves many damaged in his wake. The novel explores themes of ambition, exploitation, and the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry.
Gritty
Dark
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
3,691 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg offers a compelling and sharply critical portrayal of Hollywood's cutthroat industry through its ambitious anti-hero, Sammy Glick. Praised for its incisive social commentary and enduring relevance, the novel also faces criticism for its cynical tone and unsympathetic characters. A thought-provoking yet polarizing read.
Who Should Read What Makes Sammy Run??
Readers who enjoy What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg are typically intrigued by Hollywood's darker side and the ruthlessness of ambition. They will appreciate insights similar to those found in Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon, drawn to tales of complex moral landscapes and flawed protagonists.
3,691 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Al Manheim
Al Manheim
The narrator of the story, an idealist who contrasts with Sammy through his more passive and empathetic approach to life and work.
Kit Sargent
Kit Sargent
A savvy and principled screenwriter who fights for collective rights in Hollywood while balancing her personal relationships and professional ambitions.
Julian Blumberg
Julian Blumberg
A talented writer and peer of Sammy, who contrasts with him through his reliance on community support and genuine artistry.
328
Novel • Fiction
Hollywood, California • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
920L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.