All the King's Men

Genre: political drama

With: Broderick Crawford (Willie Stark), John Ireland (Jack Burden), Joanne Dru (Anne Stanton), John Derek (Tom Stark, Willie's son), Mercedes McCambridge (Sadie Burke), Shepperd Strudwick (Adam Stanton, Jack's friend), Ralph Dumke (Tiny Duffy), Anne Seymour (Lucy Stark)

Director: Robert Rossen

Screenplay: Robert Rossen (based on Robert Penn Warren's Pulitzer Prize winning novel)  

Release: 1949

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Rating: PG

MBiS score: 8.7/10

The More You Have, the More You Want

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Story-line: the American South in the late 1940s. Journalist Jack Burden is sent to Kanoma County to write about Willie Stark, a local politician who has a reputation for honesty and isn't afraid to denounce corruption in public office.  

Pluses: an impressive, Oscar-rewarded turn by Broderick Crawford (notice his conviction, charisma and firm voice), strong support from John Ireland, Joanne Dru and Mercedes McCambridge as an iron-willed political advisor, snappy and realistic dialogues, a full and flawless story providing great interplay between characters, top-notch direction and Al Clark’s expert editing.

Minuses: none I can think of... except that the movie is so truthful it's rather scary.

Comments: this Oscar-winning study of the political world – its targeted campaigns, high-risk strategies, dubious tactics and dangerous games – hasn't aged one bit in the last 70 years. It all comes down to this: you can't win without support... and support often has a price. Today, ALL THE KING'S MEN is still a remarkable motion picture... and an eye-opening lesson about populism and government.   

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