“The Great McGinty” is a classic American comedy about politics that was released in 1940. It kicked off the career of writer-director Preston Sturges as a distinctive and hilarious filmmaker.
This movie remains a witty and incisive look at political corruption, and the battle between idealists and people who want to make a fast buck.
This film starts in an unnamed Latin American country. After saving the life of a suicidal man, bartender Daniel McGinty tells him about his life in politics. McGinty rose from poverty to become the governor of a state, only to lose it all when he decided to use his power for good.
This movie captures a sense of cynicism about politics, but it does so with a jaunty energy. McGinty began working for a political machine by voting 37 times in an election.
The music for this sequence is not mournful, but is instead lively and makes the montage interesting to watch.
It’s one of the most relevant sequences in the film, which reflects Donald Trump’s claims that the current presidential election is “rigged.”
Preston Sturges had been a screenwriter before he made this film. He wrote “The Great McGinty” and sold it to Paramount Pictures for $10 in exchange for the right to direct it. This film also featured some actors that would go on to be in many of his movies, like William Demarest and Jimmy Conlin.
Sturges shows an early talent for stylistic eclecticism in this movie. He can get laughs from minor character names like “Wilfred T. Tillinghast” and “Jonas J. Jarvis.” But he also demonstrates a talent for writing dramatic scenes, like when McGinty tells his mentor that he will no longer aid in his corrupt schemes. These variations in tone help make “The Great McGinty” more memorable than the average farce.
The performances in this film are excellent. Brian Donlevy gets to show his versatility as McGinty. He gives him a hard edge for more dramatic scenes, yet he also gets to show vulnerability in scenes with his wife.
Akim Tamiroff gives a very funny performance as McGinty’s mentor, known only as “the Boss.” He can get great laughs from a long pause or a funny look.
Tamiroff has one of my favorite line readings in the film, after McGinty has asked him how he can offer him the chance to run for mayor on the Reform Party ticket. The Boss responds, “In this town, I’m all the parties!”
“The Great McGinty” is not perfect. For example, its few black characters are stereotypical servants. But it is still a funny and sharp look at political corruption. It is an excellent watch if you like older films and politics.
jpastern@indiana.edu
@jessepasternack
