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Adapted from Robert Penn Warren's classic novel and loosely based on Governor Huey Long of Louisiana, All The King's Men (1949), remade in 2006, is about Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford), a county hick who wants his people to have what they deserve and ends up becoming governor of Louisiana. With his right-hand man Jack Burden (John Ireland), girlfriend Anne (Joanne Dru) and a host of other followers, Willie's saga weaves a trail of intrigue, romance and drama.
Jack Burden narrates parts of this story throughout the film. He starts as a hard-working and good story-chasing young reporter who meets Willie Stark when he's worried about the extravagant expenses of his small town's council. He tries to get a bid to build a high school but is underbid and the job goes to a less reputable company in the pocket of the officials. After the school burns down and several children die, Willie is fed up with crocked politicians.
Infused by a politician's best friend, Tiny (Ralph Dumke), Willie decides to run for office. Broderick Crawford, who had already made 35 films before All The King's Men, showed his powerful potential in this film. He became the energetic and charismatic politician racing through the state and winning votes. Broderick's Willie also becomes a shameless philanderer with his hand out who gets wound up in dirty politics when he learns nothing in political life comes easy or free.
All The King's Men is just as much about Jack Burden as Willie Stark. Jack begins as a hungry reporter seeking the truth and exposing it to his readers. As he gets mixed up with Willie, for good reasons at first, he's soon entangled in the exact corruption he hoped to expose. John Ireland is somewhat subdued in his performance as Jack but often shows his discontent with the situation and himself in his expressions.
This is especially true in regards to his hopeful romance with Anne which takes a surprising, and really, somewhat unbelievable turn. Anne's brother Adam (Shepperd Strudwick), who is Jack's friend, has his own problems which convolutes the story more as does the subplot with Anne and Adam's uncle, Judge Monte Stanton (Raymond Greenleaf). The stronger female role goes to Mercedes McCambridge as Stark's headstrong, sarcastic secretary, Sadie, who becomes his mistress only to discover she's another pawn in his game of charades.
Broderick Crawford, John Ireland & Mercedes McCambridge © A.M.P.A.S
Although All The King's Men is billed as a political and social drama cloaked as history, it's really a character piece, unveiled through excellent performances that divulge how an ounce of power can unravel one's entire life, make enemies out of friends and friends out of enemies. John Derek is terrific as Stark's son Tom, a budding football player who despises his father and wants nothing to do with him or his manipulative politics.
The movie won three Oscars including Best Actor in a Leading Role - Broderick Crawford, Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Mercedes McCambridge, Best Picture - Robert Rossen, Best Picture - Robert Rossen. It received four other nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - John Ireland, Best Director - Robert Rossen, Best Film Editing - Robert Parrish and Al Clark, and Best Writing, Screenplay - Robert Rossen.
Broderick Crawford and John Derek © A.M.P.A.S.
Robert Rossen did an impressive job with creating a realistic looking film that hits every theme head on and leaves no confusion in a complex story. The 2006 remake, starring Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and James Gandolfini, Anthony Hopkins and Mark Ruffalo remains close to the original and others a new generation a chance to watch a great adaptation of Warren's novel.
Special Features
Director: Robert Rossen
Writers: Robert Penn Warren's - book, Robert Rossen - screenplay
Cast: Broderick Crawford, John Ireland, Joanne Dru, Mercedes McCambridge, Shepperd Strudwick, Raymond Greenleaf
Run Time: 110 minutes
Format: Fullscreen - black & white
Rating: not rated - okay for 13 and older
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 our of 5 stars
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: 9/05/2006
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