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Summary: Ayn Rand vs. Hollywood
Review: Despite exceptional performances by the cast, avid readers/fans of Ayn Rand will find only superficial similarities between the film and the novel-from which the film was derived. For us "fans", the film and novel must be disassociated from each other as different, creative entities in order to be appreciated. It is interesting to note the paralellity between Keating's struggle with the developers in the adherence to Roark's plans for the erection of Cortlndt Homes, with Ayn Rand's struggle with the director in the adherence to her script in the making of this film!
Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: The Fountainhead is a pretty good film. If you like architecture, or the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, you will like this film, even though it is a bit too melodramatic. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER REVIEWS.
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Summary: Another Gary Cooper classic
Review: I really enjoyed this movie and Patricia Neal is hot in this one
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Summary: A good "summary" of the classic novel
Review: Ayn Rand not only wrote the screenplay for this film based on her classic novel, she was, according to most reports, in favor of casting Gary Cooper as her architect hero Howard Roark. That proved to be a mistake. Not only is Cooper too "mature" for the role, he lacks the necessary passion to deliver Rand's philisophical speeches with conviction. Despite this misstep, "The Fountainhead" is a pretty faithful summary (as opposed to adaptation) of the legendary novel, and though it is far from perfect, the fact that Warner Bros. would even undertake such a radical project shows that the movie moguls of the past (such as Jack L. Warner) had a lot more vision and courage than the folks running the show in Hollywood today. The rest of the cast is quite good, and King Vidor's direction is masterful. The camera angles, the cinematography, and set design are all splendidly offbeat, making this film worthwhile for its visual qualities alone.
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Summary: probably as good as reasonably could be expected: not very
Review: Someone below pointed out one problem: The novel is over seven hundred pages long and the plot unfolds over twenty years or so, yet feature films conventionally last less than two hours. Another problem is thornier but not quite so obvious: The intricate plot weaves together the lives of five highly unusual and idiosyncratic persons. The Gail Wynand character is obviously modeled on Randolph Hearst, so we might contrast this film with "Citizen Kane" (released the year "The Fountainhead" was published), the title character of which is also obviously modeled on Randolph Hearst. "Citizen Kane" succeeds where "The Fountainhead" (the film) fails because its Hearst character is surrounded by and brought into relief by ordinary mortals. (Well, no, "The "Fountainhead" character Peter Keating is not quite so unusual, but his is the most rounded, deeply-delved-into character. "The Fountainhead" is to a great extent a study of Peter Keating. He requires to be explained at some length.)Beyond this, the acting is erratic. Gary Cooper as Howard Roark muffs half of his lines. Patricia Neal as Dominique Francon makes silly faces and appears to have just escaped from an asylum. Some of the other actors find Ayn's Rand's lines wooden and unspeakable and seem to make a particular point of letting us know this. They deliver them under protest, as it were.
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Summary: One of the best movies I have ever seen!
Review: Let me just say that only a person who has stood up for what is right will fully appreciate this movie. The message and impassioned speech are phenomenal. Patricia Neal is superb as is the rest of the cast. This movie will tug at the heartstrings of everyone who has or is trying so hard to be a bright light in an ever dimming world. I have not read the book; I do plan to. Put yourself in Howard's place and you will enjoy this film!
Rating: 
Summary: Great way to add a bit of Rand to your day
Review: Naturally, much of the book was left out or changed, but that is to be expected when turning a 700 page book into a movie; besides, it was adapted by Mrs. Rand herself, and I think it does justice to the characters and ideas within. Toohey's villainy is excellently portrayed. Roark is also portrayed very well, as are Wynand and Dominique. A good introduction to Rand for those who don't have the time to read the book; but still, I'd recommend the book, and everything else by Ayn Rand; she'll change your life.
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Summary: Hmmm...
Review: I'll admit it, after reading Rand's lengthy "Atlas Shrugged" I was, to put it mildly, thrilled to discover the "Fountainhead" was made into a movie. Granted I have become a fan of Rand's, but the movie is lacking depth. I was suprised to see it is only an hour and fifty-four minute movie and it shows. The acting is the best as can be expected with the task undertaken. The sets are fabulous despite the age of the film. Loved the lighting and camera angles, but the plot was a bit dry. The portrayal of the only female character, except for a one-liner by a secretary (thought executives had male secretaries back then), is excellent. Watch Patricia Neal's eyes while in the throws of depicting Dominique- fabulous. But Dominique, though in liking to Rand's female characters, is a tad of a melodramatist. Gary Cooper as Howard Roak gives a fine performance. But I was more enthralled with the acrhitecture, as probably most were when the movie was first released in 1949. All and all a competent movie for those who are interested in testing the waters of Rand's Objectivism, but not wanting to read the book. A cliche' but it works. =-)
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Performances - But Don't Expect The Book...
Review: Exceptional performances by the cast, headed by Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal. Strikingly produced. Just remember that this is not the book. Those familiar with Miss Rand's novel The Fountainhead will note the absence of many of the events and characters from the original. Don't go into the film expecting it to be just like the book, and you will find it very exciting.
Rating: 
Summary: A terrible adapation of a good novel (by the author!)
Review: The novel was actually an interesting study of pre-libertarian libertarian philosophy (objectivism/egoism...not egotism). Characters and plot were good in the novel. Even if one disagrees with the super-onesided argument against socialism (which I did), one can value the strength of Rand's arguments in the book...and enjoy the plot. Not so with the movie: poor (over)acting (reminded me of the pre-talkies over emoting), poor scipt (perhaps unavoidable when trying to condense SO much into a film format), and just dated ideas (such as a woman needed to be raped to enjoy sex), etc. I would not even consider it a B-movie classic, rather a TERRIBLE "A" movie.
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