All The King's Men (1949) Columbia Pictures Director: Robert Rossen Producer: Robert Rossen Cast: Broderick Crawford, John Ireland, Mercedes McCambridge, Joanne Dru, John Derek, Shepperd Strudwick. Awards ceremony: -22nd Academy Awards: March 23, 1950. RKO Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Other films nominated for Best Motion Picture this year: -Battleground. -The Heiress. -A Letter To Three Wives. -Twelve O'Clock High. Plot summary: A reporter for The Chronicle is sent to write an article on Willie Stark, a middle-aged man who is running for governor in a location which is never mentioned by name. Well respected for his integrity and honesty with regards to politics Willie ends up winning the election and takes office. However, his son becomes involved in a drink-driving accident where he causes the death of his female passenger. Despite Willie's son accepting liability for the crash, the governor tries to protect him by using corruptive methods to keep it quiet. The once-honest politician is then the subject of an impeachment, which he survives but the power he has goes to his head and things don't end well for him. Standout scene: When Willie Stark gives his "you hicks" speech on the stage at the fairground. Powerful. Facts: -The 22nd Academy Awards. -Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, it won 3: Best Film, Best Actor (Broderick Crawford), Best Supporting Actress (Mercedes McCambridge). Personal opinion: It takes a little while to get started and at the best of times it never exceeds the status of "above average". Centered around one pivotal character who definitely captures the viewer's attention (a well deserved Oscar win for Broderick Crawford) but he basically carries the entire film. There are no supporting characters that really stand out or have much impact. Definitely worth a watch and probably worthy of the Best Picture nod but if I had to sum it up in one word then it would simply be "okay" and nothing more. I have read some reviews that regard it as - and I quote - "a masterpiece"? That much it certainly is not, in my opinion. Did it deserve the Oscar? YES. 5/10

Review date: 23 February 2025