All the King's Men Movie Review 1949

Grim and graphic classic set in the Depression follows the rise of a Louisiana farm-boy from angry and honest political hopeful to powerful but corrupt governor. Loosely based on the life (and death) of Huey Long and told by a newsman who's followed his career (Ireland). Willy Stark (Crawford, in his break-through role) is the politician who, while appearing to improve the state, rules dictatorially, betraying friends and constituents and proving once again that power corrupts. In her first major role, McCambridge delivers a powerful performance as the cunning political aide. Potent morality play based on the Robert Penn Warren book.

Distribution

Baker & Taylor Inc., 2709 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 500, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: (704)357-3500, Toll-free: 800-775-1800, Email: btinfo@btol.com, URL: http://www.btol.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 109 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Assassination, Ethics & Morals, Rags to Riches, Great Depression, Louisiana, 4 Bones

Screenplay

Robert Rossen

Cast

Broderick Crawford, Mercedes McCambridge, John Ireland, Joanne Dru, John Derek, Anne Seymour, Shepperd Strudwick

Cinematography

Burnett Guffey

Director

Robert Rossen

Music

Louis Gruenberg

Producer

Robert Rossen

Awards

Oscars 1949: Actor (Crawford), Picture, Support. Actress (McCambridge); Golden Globes 1950: Actor--Drama (Crawford), Director (Rossen), Film--Drama, Support. Actress (McCambridge), Natl. Film Reg. 2001;; N.Y. Film Critics 1949: Actor (Crawford), Film.