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6.7/10
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Jailbird is hired to lead a dimwitted candidate's campaign for governor.Jailbird is hired to lead a dimwitted candidate's campaign for governor.Jailbird is hired to lead a dimwitted candidate's campaign for governor.
Robert Emmett O'Connor
- Sheriff
- (as Robert E. O'Connor)
Louise Beavers
- Levinnia, Kay's Maid
- (uncredited)
Harry C. Bradley
- Blue Ribbon Man
- (uncredited)
Edgar Dearing
- Delegate
- (uncredited)
Harrison Greene
- Delegate Next to Hicks
- (uncredited)
Otto Hoffman
- Justice of the Peace
- (uncredited)
Harry Leroy
- Delegate
- (uncredited)
Wilfred Lucas
- Debate Chairman
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Abraham Lincoln speech referred to in this movie wasn't a speech at all, but a published letter from Lincoln. It was his first announcement of running for political office. He was just 23 years old at the time and was a newcomer to Illinois - having moved there in 1830. He was running for a seat in the Illinois General Assembly. The letter was printed March 9, 1832, in the Sangamo Journal of Springfield, IL. The letter is lengthy and describes Lincoln's views on public improvements, navigation of the Sangamon River, and education.
The words, supposedly plagiarized in this movie from a Lincoln speech, were at the end of the last paragraph in his long letter. They read, "I am young and unknown to many of you. I was born and have ever remained in the most humble walks of life. I have no wealthy or popular relations to recommend me. My case is thrown exclusively upon the independent voters of this county, and if elected they will have conferred a favor upon me, for which I shall be unremitting in my labors to compensate. But if the good people in their wisdom shall see fit to keep me in the back ground, I have been too familiar with disappointments to be very much chagrined." The letter was signed, "Your friend and fellow-citizen, A. Lincoln, New Salem, March 9, 1832.
- GoofsWhen Kay (Bette Davis) brings back the $400 to Maybelle, she returns to her office. Hal tries to enter her office but can't because the door is locked. The locking handle is on Hal's side of the door.
- Quotes
Hal Samson Blake: He's the dumbest human being I ever saw. Every time he opens his mouth he subtracts from the sum total of human knowledge.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood and the Stars: The Angry Screen (1964)
- SoundtracksFor He's a Jolly Good Fellow
(uncredited)
Traditional
Played at the convention
Featured review
Bet on Bette Davis and Warren William!
Warren William and Bette Davis star in this film about electing a dark horse in office. The term, "a dark horse" in political jargon refers to someone running for office who's not unlikely to win or not likely to get the peoples' or favorite vote, not one to bet on, in terms of horse racing. When the party is not happy with their candidate because he's lost the confidence of the people, they come up with the name of an average Joe, who may be able to do what their man can't - keep their party in office, the main goal at election time. Guy Kibbee is "The Dark Horse," who appears with his usual ease and affability, here even more simple-minded than usual. When it's decided they need a publicity man to sell him, Bette Davis says she knows just the man, but he's in jail. They get Warren William out of jail and put him to work. William is ideally suited for the role, with his forceful voice and imposing demeanor. Warren is center stage with his complications of his love life with Bette and his ex and him trying to sell Guy Kibbee to the people. People may see this, because it's a Bette Davis film, but it belongs to Warren William. Warren William has, for the most part, been forgotten, except by those who frequently watch TCM. He was the first actor to play Perry Mason in film, and was known for his deep voice and the firm conviction he gave to his characters - usually lawyers and people of influence, but not always on the side of the law or good. For an introduction to Warren William and for good entertainment, watch "The Dark Horse." Its antics may come across as silly and simple, but its heart is there, and Bette and Warren make for an exciting couple to sit back and enjoy.
helpful•51
- JLRMovieReviews
- Jul 15, 2014
Details
- Runtime1 hour 15 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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