MovieChat Forums > The Arrangement (1969) Discussion > Inspiration for Don Draper of Mad Men?

Inspiration for Don Draper of Mad Men?

posted 7 years ago by PlatinumScreen (221)
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I wonder if this movie inspired Matthew Weiner, the creator of Mad Men. Kirk Douglas's character parallels Don Draper in many ways--advertising executive, unhappy marriage to a cold wife, infidelities, tormented, etc. In addition, there are symbolic undertones that remind me of the writing for Mad Men.

My original interest in watching this was to see the great Richard Boone, and I wasn't expecting much past that. I should've known better. Anything directed by Elia Kazan with Kirk Douglas, Deborah Kerr, Hume Cronyn, Faye Dunaway, and Richard Boone has to be above average fare.

[–] Kiweyes (1) 7 years ago

Yes I wonder the same thing. The 1969 movie and the 2000s tv series have many similarities, one of the more obvious being the scene where Kirk Douglas' character's wife goes to his home office desk, unlocks the drawer and finds photos of his mistress, and then Mad Men has the scene where Betty Draper goes to Don's desk, unlocks the drawer and finds the box of stuff related to his hidden past.

There is even an episode of Mad Men called 'The Arrangements', which deals with preparing for Betty's father's death - in The Arrangement Kirk Douglas' father suffers dementia and is put in a nursing home. Could the episode title be a subtle nod to the movie which was a big inspiration the tv series?

I don't recall Mr Weiner mentioning The Arrangement as an inspiration at all, and if he hasn't, and if it was, then that is disrepectful.

[–] PlatinumScreen (221) 7 years ago

Kiweyes, thanks for replying because I had forgotten about "The Arrangements" episode of Mad Men despite having seen every episode. I would say that is indeed a subtle nod to the movie as you said.

I also agree Mr. Weiner is being disingenuous and disrespectful if the movie inspired Mad Men.