This is a frustrating film, as parts were quite enjoyable but there were just too many lulls where the writing went south. It's a shame, as it could have been a lot better. As is, it's a watchable time-passer with a disappointing ending.
The film begins with a political convention. It's been deadlocked for many hours and the two prime candidates for governor can't get a majority. Finally, in desperation, they nominate a complete unknown (Guy Kibbee)--a guy who is not only a political novice but a complete boob. So, to help push the idiot on to the governor's office, they hire a brilliant but disreputable guy (Warren William) to closely manage the campaign and keep Kibbee out of trouble.
Along for the ride is Bette Davis in one of her early and more thankless roles. She really has little to do other than to be William's girlfriend--the sort of bland roles she got quite a bit though the mid-1930s. Instead, the show is much more William with his suave and oily charm and Kibbee playing his usual boob-like character. It's enjoyable but occasionally the film shows that perhaps the script needed a bit more polishing. And, sadly, the part in most need of punching up was the ending--which came off flat and unsatisfying. Not bad--not great.
The film begins with a political convention. It's been deadlocked for many hours and the two prime candidates for governor can't get a majority. Finally, in desperation, they nominate a complete unknown (Guy Kibbee)--a guy who is not only a political novice but a complete boob. So, to help push the idiot on to the governor's office, they hire a brilliant but disreputable guy (Warren William) to closely manage the campaign and keep Kibbee out of trouble.
Along for the ride is Bette Davis in one of her early and more thankless roles. She really has little to do other than to be William's girlfriend--the sort of bland roles she got quite a bit though the mid-1930s. Instead, the show is much more William with his suave and oily charm and Kibbee playing his usual boob-like character. It's enjoyable but occasionally the film shows that perhaps the script needed a bit more polishing. And, sadly, the part in most need of punching up was the ending--which came off flat and unsatisfying. Not bad--not great.