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The Great Man Votes

1939 1h 10m Comedy Drama List
Reviews 73% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Respected scholar Gregory Vance (John Barrymore) falls to pieces upon the death of his wife, descending into drunken irresponsibility. Despite his being reduced to working as a night watchman, his loyal children, Donald (Peter Holden) and Joan (Virginia Weidler), know that he can regain his dignity. The opportunity arises when the press discovers that Gregory is the last uncommitted voter in the district, and the mayor sends out his political boss to ensure that Gregory votes correctly.

Audience Reviews

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Frances H I loved this movie when I saw it as a kid on the morning movie we always watched with breakfast in the summer when we didn't have to go to school. It was always a favorite of mine! The kids are adorable and Barrymore is great as their father, a man fallen onto hard times and alcohol as a result of his grief over his wife's death. His big moment to become a "great man" comes when he is the only registered voter in his ward, and the city always goes the way of his ward's for. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/15/20 Full Review Audience Member one of John Barrmore's last gr8 performances Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member What a great movie starring one of the giants of the days of early film! John Barrymore, grandfather of Drew Barrymore, a very good and touching story! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member John Barrymore's outstanding performance makes this film a must see. The entire cast does a great job and Garson Kanin's direction is excellent. Very amusing, well done and I am surprised it is such an overlooked classic. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis Respected scholar Gregory Vance (John Barrymore) falls to pieces upon the death of his wife, descending into drunken irresponsibility. Despite his being reduced to working as a night watchman, his loyal children, Donald (Peter Holden) and Joan (Virginia Weidler), know that he can regain his dignity. The opportunity arises when the press discovers that Gregory is the last uncommitted voter in the district, and the mayor sends out his political boss to ensure that Gregory votes correctly.
Director
Garson Kanin
Producer
Cliff Reid
Production Co
RKO Pictures
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Oct 20, 2015
Runtime
1h 10m