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.

The Dream Merchants

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

External links

Notes

Novels by Harold Robbins

1949 American novels

1980s American television miniseries

1980 American television series debuts

1980 American television series endings

Films based on American novels

Television shows based on American novels

Operation Prime Time

Alfred A. Knopf books

Hollywood novels

The Dream Merchants