Beau James (1957)Biopic of the political career of Jimmy Walker, flamboyant and somewhat corrupt Mayor of New York City from 1926-1932. Director:Melville Shavelson |
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Beau James (1957)Biopic of the political career of Jimmy Walker, flamboyant and somewhat corrupt Mayor of New York City from 1926-1932. Director:Melville Shavelson |
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| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Bob Hope | ... |
Mayor James J. 'Jimmy' Walker
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| Vera Miles | ... |
Betty Compton
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| Paul Douglas | ... |
Chris Nolan
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| Alexis Smith | ... |
Allie Walker
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| Darren McGavin | ... |
Charley Hand
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| Joe Mantell | ... |
Bernie Williams, Broadway producer
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Horace McMahon | ... |
Prosecutor
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Richard Shannon | ... |
Dick Jackson
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| Willis Bouchey | ... |
Arthur Julian
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| Sid Melton | ... |
Sid Nash
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George Jessel | ... |
George Jessell
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Walter Catlett | ... |
Gov. Alfred E. 'Al' Smith
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The story of Jimmy Walker who became mayor of New York in the '20s. Used by professional politicians and money-grabbers, Walker himself was "stupid but clean", although his open affair with Betty Compton cost him dear. Written by Jeremy Perkins <jwp@aber.ac.uk>
This is the closest thing to a good dramatic performance Bob Hope ever gave...and its pretty good. Of course, the film soft pedals and simplifies: Walkers great antagonists, Seabury and LaGuardia, barely appear in it. In fact, there is a great dramatic and tragic film waiting to be made of the Jimmy Walker story, with terrific roles for the actors who would portray the "little flower' LaGuardia, and the incorruptible, if cold -hearted, "man who rode the Tiger", Seabury, as well as Jimmy Walker ( not to mention his wife and mistress). Maybe Scorsese could do it someday.