All the King's Men

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All the King's Men

Released Nov 8, 1949

1h 49m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

97%

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73 Reviews

78%

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2,500+ Ratings

Drama about the rise and fall of a corrupt southern governor who promises his way to power. Broderick Crawford portrays Willie Stark, who, once he is elected, finds that his vanity and power lust prove to be his downfall. The film is based on the 1946 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Robert Penn Warren.

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Critics Consensus

Broderick Crawford is spellbinding as politician Willie Stark in director Robert Rossen's adaptation of the Robert Penn Warren novel about the corrosive effects of power on the human soul.

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Richard L. Coe

Washington Post

It has the sort of excitement to interest the most escapist-minded of picturegoers. It has the sharp delineations of characters that fascinate those whose hobby is people. And it is an immensely provocative political document.

Jul 25, 2022

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Marjory Adams

Boston Globe

Here is a picture that took courage to make. It stands up in entertainment value, but it is primarily a vital, powerful and terrifying picture of what dirty politics can do to both individual and state.

Nov 30, 2021

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Helen Bower

Detroit Free Press

Crawford ought to have an Oscar for his performance as Willie Stark. He charges like a bull and charms like a serpent.

Nov 30, 2021

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

...the song remains the same 75 years later. It’s a fascinating study on the type of firebrands that dominate politics.

Jun 27, 2023

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Edwin F. Melvin

Christian Science Monitor

Robert Rossen has skilfully performed a triple function as producer, director, and author of the screen play from a novel by Robert Penn Warren. The acting has both vigor and finesse,

Aug 16, 2022

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Stretching the definition of “noir” a bit, it’s a barbed indictment of deep political corruption in the Deep South.

Mar 28, 2022

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Audience Member

The movie is very timely, considering what is currently happening with the Trump administration.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/25

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Christian K

A tale of political corruption where the themes and issues have not gone away for 70+ years now. The performances were ok but I would not call the plot or pacing intriguing in any way.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

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Russ G

Let's be honest: the bar was set pretty low for Academy Awards back then. Not that there haven't been some undeserving nominees and actual winners since then. I'm looking at you, Butterfield 8! As for the actor in the role of our protagonist, the TV series "Highway Patrol" was a better match for his limited talents. I've seen Crawford in one other film, and the portrayal was of another insufferable blowhard. Ten Four, Over and Out!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

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nick s

The movie's start was slow and lacking promise, but then it really took off. The camera work and sets didn't quite have the hallmark of a great director. However the character development and exploration of ethics was great, and easily made up for it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/07/23

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Keith W

Wow what a compelling film! It draws you in and doesn't let go. Broderick Crawford is fantastic in a film with a strong cast throughout. Is he evil or just ruthless but well intentioned? And he never gives you the answer which is so right for this film. As a Brit I can't help think the real problem with US politics shown here is not how it corrupts those who gain power but there are too many guns. Stark's right hand hood, Sugar Boy, is such a familiar face and is worthily given some important lines in this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/13/23

Full Review

deke p

1949 classic! HIGHEST positive reviews from RT Crits. BROD CRAWFORD was amazingly great! The HUEY LONG story, kinda, by Robert Penn Warren. Finally saw it about 72 years later, on the television set 5.22.2022, same day I am giving it 4 1/2 RotnTom Starsh. And JOHN IRELAND xlnt too.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Robert Rossen

Director

Broderick Crawford

Willie Stark

Joanne Dru

Anne Stanton

Mercedes McCambridge

Sadie Burke

John Ireland

Jack Burden

John Derek

Tom Stark

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Blackmailing a Judge

3:33

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Messiah or Dictator?

1:57

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Political Assassination

2:21

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Drunken Car Crash

2:44

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Deals With the Devil

2:17

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Willie Stark's Speech

3:46

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Murdered Political Opponent

2:09

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Terrible Football Injury

3:23

All the King's Men: Official Clip - She Slept With Him

2:18

All the King's Men: Official Clip - Impeached!

2:40

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Synopsis

Drama about the rise and fall of a corrupt southern governor who promises his way to power. Broderick Crawford portrays Willie Stark, who, once he is elected, finds that his vanity and power lust prove to be his downfall. The film is based on the 1946 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Robert Penn Warren.

Director: Robert Rossen
Producer: Robert Rossen
Screenwriter: Robert Rossen
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 1949, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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