THE GREAT McGINTY

US, 1940, 83 minutes, Black and white.
Brian Donlevy, Akim Tamiroff, Muriel Angelus, Louis Jean Heydt, Arthur Hoyt.
Directed by Preston Sturges.

The Great McGinty? was the first film directed by eminent comic screenwriter Preston Sturges. He was to go on to make films like Sullivan's Travels, Hail the Conquering Hero, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek during the '40s. Sardonic but optimistic films about the American way of life.

This film has small budget style from Paramount In the early '40s, has Brian Donlevy as a star (very credible) and matches him with Akim Tamiroff. Nevertheless, despite the small budget, the film is an excellent characterisation, satire on American democracy and its abuses.

1. Good comedy, optimism through satire?

2. The writing of Preston Sturges, his moving into direction, his comic satiric
classics of the '40s?

3. Paramount production values, black and white photography, sets, the stars?

4. The framework: the opening comment about the man who made mistakes all his life and did one good deed contrasted with the man who did everything right and did one small thing wrong. Their destinies? The flashback
structure of tie film - and the humorously ironic ending?

5. The portrait of Thompson, his embezzlement, his presence in the sleazy club, the girl, his desperation, listening to McGinty's story?

6. McGinty? telling his story, deadpan style of delivery? His property, buying the boats? buying 37, getting the money, the agent and the interaction with him, going to the Boss who appreciated his success? His getting the job, his standover tactics for getting protection money, the mixture of violence and charm, raising $1100 and the Boss giving it to him? His independent attitude, cheeky? Becoming an alderman, his work? In the background, Katherine as secretary and her economic theories? The Boss proposing that he run for Mayor, agreeing? The interactions with the Boss? The money deals? Katherine and the question of marriage, her proposal in an objective manner? A deal and arrangement? The wedding ceremony, the comic style, his going his way and she going hers? Looking over the house? Discovering the kids? His mellowing with Katherine, with the kids? Standing up for her? Falling in love?. The discussion about graft and the opportunities for helping the poor in the cities? His memories of his youth, working in the factory, dignity? His explanations about the system? The proposal that he run for governor, the parade, the election campaign? His election, his finally taking a stance against the boss about dams and buildings? The arrest, in prison, his arrangements for Katherine and the children, their education? His escape? The finale? Portrait of a tough guy with a human
heart?

7. Katherine, secretary, her philosophy of economy, the marriage proposal, the arrangement, her friendship with George, McGinty? and his working well with the kids, reading them stories? The house, the end and her trying to help?

8. The Boss, behind the scenes, buying votes for the mayor, always present, the protection racket, relationship with McGinty?, giving him the money, the political victories? The final confrontation? Both in jail?

9. William Demarest as the helper, buying the votes, his role in the election campaign, highlighting the populist philosophy in comparison with the campaigner telling the people the truth? His place at the end?

10. The picture of elections, vote-catchers and buyers, helpers? Businessmen and their deals? The picture with 75,000 people in the stadium - and graft?

11. The picture of American cities, money, power, people?

12. The end and its ironic humour?

13. The picture of a good man, opportunity, lacking opportunity, caught in systems? Doing a good deed?