All the King's Men (1949 movie)

Politician Willie Stark goes from a rural county seat to the governor's mansion. He loses a race for county treasurer. Stark teaches himself law. As a lawyer, he continues fighting the local establishment. He eventually rises to become a candidate for governor. He loses the first time. On his second try, he wins.

Along the way, Stark loses his innocence. He becomes dishonest like the politicians against whom he fought. His son becomes paralyzed in a drunk driving accident that kills a female passenger.

• Broderick Crawford as Willie Stark
• John Ireland as Jack Burden
• Joanne Dru as Anne Stanton
• John Derek as Tom Stark
• Mercedes McCambridge as Sadie Burke
• Shepperd Strudwick as Adam Stanton
• Ralph Dumke as Tiny Duffy
• Anne Seymour as Mrs. Lucy Stark
• Katharine Warren as Mrs. Burden
• Raymond Greenleaf as Judge Monte Stanton
• Helene Stanley as Helene Hale
• Walter Burke as Sugar Boy
• Will Wright as Dolph Pillsbury
• Grandon Rhodes as Floyd McEvoy

Character actor Paul Ford has an uncredited role as the Leader of the Senate Opposition

All the King's Men won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.