Executive producer: Bob Hope. A Hope Enterprises Production, released through Paramount Pictures. Copyright 1956 by Hope Enterprises, Inc. New York opening at the Astor: 26 June 1957. U.S. release: July 1957. U.K. release: 11 August 1957. Australian release: 17 October 1957. Sydney opening at the Prince Edward: 25 October 1957 (ran only 11 days). 9,609 feet. 106 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Handsome, debonair James John Walker (1881-1946) served as the 100th mayor of New York City from 1926-1932 when he was forced to resign over allegations of corruption.
NOTES: In British prints, the off-camera commentary was spoken by Alastair Cooke.
VIEWER'S GUIDE: The film raises important questions of morality, both public and private. Essential viewing for all.
COMMENT: A more or less straight role which fits Bob Hope like a glove. The real-life Walker had plenty of quips and show business in his blood (he actually wrote the song "Will You Love Me in December?"). Hope not only exploits these traits to the full (there are two musical highlights, one with Hope joining an exuberant Jimmy Durante in "The Sidewalks of New York") but presents Walker as a likable and fully rounded personality, constantly battling Tammany and the Catholic Church.
It seems Walker's only mistake was in trusting his own judgment as to the honesty and integrity of the key officials he appointed.
This is undoubtedly one of Hope's best performances ever, but it proved not overly popular with his fans. More disappointingly, the comedian's fellow actors failed to appreciate how brilliantly he'd handled a very complex and difficult role. Even the wisecracks are delivered in true Jimmy Walker style.
Hope is assisted by a fine gallery of support players led by the perfectly cast Paul Douglas as a politically wise ward-heeler, the vulnerable Vera Miles and the opportunistic Alexis Smith. Walter Catlett has a stand-out cameo as Al Smith.
Shavelson and Rose have penned a script that is sharp, witty, pointed yet poignant; Rose has produced on an expensive budget, with wonderful photography, sets and costumes; Shavelson has directed with force and flair.
SYNOPSIS: Handsome, debonair James John Walker (1881-1946) served as the 100th mayor of New York City from 1926-1932 when he was forced to resign over allegations of corruption.
NOTES: In British prints, the off-camera commentary was spoken by Alastair Cooke.
VIEWER'S GUIDE: The film raises important questions of morality, both public and private. Essential viewing for all.
COMMENT: A more or less straight role which fits Bob Hope like a glove. The real-life Walker had plenty of quips and show business in his blood (he actually wrote the song "Will You Love Me in December?"). Hope not only exploits these traits to the full (there are two musical highlights, one with Hope joining an exuberant Jimmy Durante in "The Sidewalks of New York") but presents Walker as a likable and fully rounded personality, constantly battling Tammany and the Catholic Church.
It seems Walker's only mistake was in trusting his own judgment as to the honesty and integrity of the key officials he appointed.
This is undoubtedly one of Hope's best performances ever, but it proved not overly popular with his fans. More disappointingly, the comedian's fellow actors failed to appreciate how brilliantly he'd handled a very complex and difficult role. Even the wisecracks are delivered in true Jimmy Walker style.
Hope is assisted by a fine gallery of support players led by the perfectly cast Paul Douglas as a politically wise ward-heeler, the vulnerable Vera Miles and the opportunistic Alexis Smith. Walter Catlett has a stand-out cameo as Al Smith.
Shavelson and Rose have penned a script that is sharp, witty, pointed yet poignant; Rose has produced on an expensive budget, with wonderful photography, sets and costumes; Shavelson has directed with force and flair.