I've read that Gary Cooper later admitted he did not understand either Rand's ideology or Roark's character which led him to poorly portray Roark. I have to say, I've always had a soft spot for Gail Wynand, and I like this ending a little better than the book, though I've never understood why Rand changed it. It seems a little more forgiving to Wynand, which is contra to the point of the book's ending. But it is a fun movie to watch.

I'd like to prove what a good actor I am by playing Toohey.

it's good. -- j
.

You are correct. Rand had endless battles with King Vidor, the director. She very much liked the casting of Gary Cooper as Roark though. For me, Cooper is a bit too wooden but I really liked the rest of the casting. Rand never liked the finished product and carried that difficult experience with her for the rest of her life. Rent it, it's a lot of fun to watch.

Rand was never much for compromise (which I consider to be to her credit). She wanted absolute control over the production which the money people would never let her have. The problem is that if all her wishes had been observed the movie would have been 6 hours long. I agree about Caviezel. He is an excellent actor and well suited to the part. DiCaprio would make an ideal Peter Keating. I like that.

I didn't know there was a Fountainhead movie from 1949. I'll have to find it.

The existing movie of The Fountainhead was abbreviated but it was a really good film. The casting was excellent. Rand wrote the script so you knew the essence of the story was intact. A remake either as a TV special or movie would be great, but don't expect it to be a blockbuster. It only has one explosion.

According to what I've read, Rand didn't have as much control as she wanted, and was displeased with the result. That's largely why no AS movie was made during her lifetime--she wanted more control than any producer was willing to give her.

I agree with the choice of Jim Caviezel for Roark. DiCaprio and Dean Cain are too pretty; they'd be better suited for Peter Keating.

The 1949 production of "The Fountainhead" is not a perfect movie but it is pretty good. Ayn Rand wrote the screen play and had artistic control over much of the film Check out the IMDB and Wikipedia coverage of the production. Rand's philosophy comes through quite clearly as do the motives and agendas of the villains. Twohey is a truly despicable person. Rand's penchant for revealing her protagonist's perspective by means of a courtroom drama is handled nicely in the film. It is definitely well worth watching.

Yes, he'd be great. How about Aidan Turner (Poldark), Dean Cain, or Matthew Goode (Leap year, Downton Abbey)? They are handsome and would also have that edgy personality that is needed for Roark's character.

I saw it years ago, and just lately watched it on Netflix. It's still a good movie, but I'd love to see a remake.

I finally ordered my very own copy this morning. I just finished the book a few months ago. If the movie is half as good as the book it will be a keeper.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Netflix has it.
I was age 2 at the when that movie was in the theater.
The first time I saw it was a year or so ago.
Two weeks after I mailed the DVD back, I was channel surfing when I found The Fountainhead on Turner Classics.
I was stunned and quietly said something like, "Well, good grief."

I agree. Him Caviezel has that "Roark" or "John Galt" look and attitude.

I have the 1949 movie version on DVD, which I bought from Amazon. I remember that actor Ron Ely, who played Tarzan in the TV series, was trying to make another movie of The Fountainhead back in the early '80's, but nothing ever came of it. I think he would have been pretty good in role of Howard Roark.

I'd buy the DVD, you never know when things like that will disappear from the net or open market. Some in office today would like it banned.

Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal became two of my favorite actors after seeing the Fountainhead.

Great idea. I like Jim Caviezel.

I always thought The Fountainhead would make a good television show. Like a Netflix series.

Not sure who should play Roark though....

I'm pretty sure you can still rent/buy online from Amazon Prime.

Agreed. I have yet to see the 49 version. I should get it.

It was made into a movie in 1949. It would be great to see a remake though.,