Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Robert Penn Warren, All the Kings Men is a roman a clef inspired by the career of Louisiana governor Huey Long. Broderick Crawford won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Willie Stark, a backwoods Southern lawyer who wins the hearts of his constituents by bucking the corrupt state government. Journalist Jack Burden (John Ireland) is impressed by Willies seeming sincerity, and aids Stark on the road to political power. Once hes reached the governors mansion, however, Willie proves himself to be as dishonest and despotic as the crooks whom hes replaced. He also cheats shamelessly on his wife with both campaign manager (Mercedes McCambridge) (another Oscar winner) and with Joanne Dru, the sister of idealistic doctor Sheppard Strudwick. Fiercely protective of his power, Willie organizes a fascistic police force and arranges for accidents to befall those who oppose him; even so, he retains the love of the voters by lowering the poverty level, improving the school system, and financing building projects. Even when Willie all but orchestrates the suicide of Drus uncle, a highly respected judge (Raymond Greenleaf), those closest to him are unable to escape his power and the charismatic hold he has over people. Stockton, California stands in for the unnamed state capitol where most of the films action occurs. In addition to its Oscars for Crawford and McCambridge, All The Kings Men won the Best Picture prize. Warrens novel would later be adapted into a stage play, a TV special, and even an opera. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide