All the King's Men

Recently, I've been trying to catch up on the Best Picture winners. So far I've seen most of them, but not all.

Upon winning the election for governor, the once-honest Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford) becomes amoral and corrupt, the very things he was accused of being.

The main points of All the King's Men are Broderick's performance and the screenplay. Crawford gives bravura for his work as Stark. Mercedes McCambridge, who plays Stark's tough-talking assistant Sadie Burke, also steals scenes she's in (hence the Oscar). All the King's Men is loosely based on the actions of politician Huey Long (no relation), whose life and career mirrors that of Stark's. Did this deserve the Best Picture Oscar? You bet.

My Rating: ****1/2

The Hustler

It's interesting. Ever since his passing last year, I've seen four movies featuring Paul Newman just this year (two I've previously reviewed). And I'll admit I haven't seen any of his movies before he died. Anyway, onto the review.

"Fast Eddie" Felson (Newman) is a small-time pool hustler with lots of talent and an ego to match. After losing a match with the legendary Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), he has a difficult time regaining his confidence. In the process, he gains a girlfriend Sarah (Piper Laurie). He becomes desperate and falls victim to ruthless and cutthroat manager Bert Gordon (George C. Scott) to help him get back on top.

I really liked Newman's work in this. But I was really impressed with Gleason's role. I mean, one minute he's Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners, next minute he's Minnesota Fats. Overall, a very goo movie.

My Rating: *****