The fantastic Edward G. Robinson gives another memorable performance in this political drama that shows his rise from shopkeeper moving to Denver from Kansas to political big wig and dramatizes his downfall when his personal life catches up with him. He's been married for years to the loyal, hard-working Aline MacMahon (one of the unsung greats of the 1930's) and she's content to remain in the background as his ambition takes over. Ultimately, he begins seeing the pretty Bebe Daniels on the side and cruelly dumps her in one of the saddest movie scenes ever. As the scandal becomes known, gis reputation suffers, and Robinson must eat crow as his downfall occurs swift and ruthlessly.
This is truly an amazing character study of one man's rise and fall, and Robinson is excellent, giving one of his best performances. Ambition is a killer, and Robinson really must fall into the depths of despair to realize the impact of his change on everybody around him and ultimately what it has made him in his later years. mcmahen character really doesn't deserve her fate here, but it is a very real situation, and she makes the most out of a small part. Daniels is good, but she is overshadowed by the two other actors post characters have more depth. A great Warner Brothers pre-code drama in every aspect that may have you reaching for your Kleenex in the final scene.
This is truly an amazing character study of one man's rise and fall, and Robinson is excellent, giving one of his best performances. Ambition is a killer, and Robinson really must fall into the depths of despair to realize the impact of his change on everybody around him and ultimately what it has made him in his later years. mcmahen character really doesn't deserve her fate here, but it is a very real situation, and she makes the most out of a small part. Daniels is good, but she is overshadowed by the two other actors post characters have more depth. A great Warner Brothers pre-code drama in every aspect that may have you reaching for your Kleenex in the final scene.