A blah Preston Sturges "comedy" about a bum (Brian Donlevy) who climbs up the political ladder in corrupt Chicago as a stoolie for a crime boss (Akim Tamiroff), but who discovers a conscience and a genuine desire to do good work along the way.
Compared to some of Sturges' other sparkling films, like "Sullivan's Travels" and "The Palm Beach Story," "The Great McGinty" is a resounding dud. Donlevy doesn't have the screen presence to carry a film, and there's nary a laugh to be had.
The only thing that felt fresh about the film was its unpredictable resolution. Sturges had a knack for ending movies on a high note; unfortunately, in this case the rest of the movie doesn't live up to the ending.
Grade: C+
Compared to some of Sturges' other sparkling films, like "Sullivan's Travels" and "The Palm Beach Story," "The Great McGinty" is a resounding dud. Donlevy doesn't have the screen presence to carry a film, and there's nary a laugh to be had.
The only thing that felt fresh about the film was its unpredictable resolution. Sturges had a knack for ending movies on a high note; unfortunately, in this case the rest of the movie doesn't live up to the ending.
Grade: C+