All the King's Men
All the King's Men

Movie spotlight

All the King's Men

1958
Movie
90 min
English

The life of populist Southerner Willie Stark, a political creature loosely based on Governor Huey Long of Louisiana, based upon the Robert Penn Warren-novel.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Google Users80%
Director: Robert RossenGenres: Drama, Political

Plot Summary

A populist Southern politician rises to power through ambition and corruption, only to be caught in a web of deceit and scandal. The film chronicles his journey from an idealistic country lawyer to a powerful, albeit morally compromised, governor. His wife, Anne, grapples with his corrupting influence and the toll it takes on their lives and his integrity.

Critical Reception

The 1958 film is a remake of the 1949 classic and was also critically acclaimed for its powerful performances and unflinching look at political corruption. While not as universally lauded as its predecessor, it was still considered a strong, compelling drama that resonated with audiences and critics alike for its examination of power and morality.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong lead performances, particularly Broderick Crawford's portrayal of the ambitious politician.

  • Cited for its effective depiction of the corrupting nature of power and the moral compromises involved in politics.

  • Acknowledged as a solid remake that stands on its own merits, though often compared to the original 1949 version.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's dramatic narrative and strong acting, finding it to be a compelling story about the darker side of politics and ambition. Some viewers noted its effectiveness as a remake.

Awards & Accolades

None notable, as the 1949 version received the majority of critical attention and awards.

Fun Fact

This 1958 version is a remake of the 1949 film of the same name, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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