The Great Man Votes (1939)

The Great Man Votes Poster

In 1923, Gregory Vance, a widower with two children, is a former scholar who has turned from book to bottle. He works, slightly, as a night-watchman, and his children, who know him for what he is and what he isn't, are his only admirers. Then, it is discovered that he is the only registered voter in a key precinct and the politicians, from both parties, arrive in droves bearing inducements. What he does about this situation, and the relatives who want to take his children away from him make up the story.

Film Overview
"The Great Man Votes" is an American movie launched in 1939. Directed by Garson Kanin, this heartwarming comedy-drama functions John Barrymore, Peter Holden, and Virginia Weidler in the leading functions. The film's plot is embeded in the 1920s, focused on a widowed and intoxicated previous Harvard teacher who discovers his redemption throughout a pivotal vote.

Plot Summary
John Barrymore plays the character Gregory Vance, a once-popular teacher now turned alcoholic after the death of his caring other half. Vance, now jobless and considered a laughingstock, deals with his 2 children, Joan and Donald. Regardless of his deplorable condition, Vance keeps his great good manners, intelligence, and love for his children. The children reciprocate their daddy's affection and preserve steadfast loyalty to him, looking previous his vulnerabilities. Their humility, courage, and wit end up being obvious throughout the motion picture, providing the story with significant depth.

Twist and Conclusion
The story takes a special twist when it emerges that Vance has actually been left as the lone authorized citizen in his district due to varying scenarios. With an upcoming election, 2 competing political leaders start to scheme how to get Vance's essential vote to win the mayoral chair. Consequently, Vance ends up being the focal point, and his value offers a solid background for his steady redemption.

As the new-found significance boosts Vance's self-confidence, he respectfully regains his dignity, demonstrating development and reformation. He utilizes his power as the only citizen judiciously, assisting to clear his district's corruption. Additionally, he gets his job back as a professor, and his track record within his neighborhood is brought back. The movie thus closes on an uplifting note, as Vance manages to get back his dignity and respect in society through his integrity and determination.

Themes
"The Great Man Votes" discuss a breadth of styles varying from the power of democracy, redemption, significance of stability, and the worth of family. Despite Vance's downfalls, his intellectual capabilities and natural nobility shine through, acting as a testament against society's harsh judgments. The genuine love and faith shown by Vance's kids likewise expose the inner strength within individuals from even the most impoverished backgrounds.

Performances
John Barrymore shows an engaging efficiency representing Gregory Vance's character's compassionate core beneath the outside of a drunken, destitute widower. His charismatic existence fills the screen, showing both humor and heartbreak with reliability. Virginia Weidler and Peter Holden, as Joan and Donald, are the 2 crafty children. They catch their roles convincingly, their performances evoking empathy from the audience.

In conclusion, "The Great Man Votes" is an emotionally-driven film with moments oscillating from heartwrenching to heartfelt. It delivers a powerful message about personal redemption, the strength of familial bonds, and society's corruption, making it an impactful watch up till the very end.

Top Cast

  • John Barrymore (small)
    John Barrymore
    Vance
  • Virginia Weidler (small)
    Virginia Weidler
    Joan
  • Katharine Alexander (small)
    Katharine Alexander
    Miss Billow
  • Peter Holden
    Donald
  • Donald MacBride (small)
    Donald MacBride
    Iron Hat McCarthy
  • William Demarest (small)
    William Demarest
    Charles Dole
  • Elisabeth Risdon (small)
    Elisabeth Risdon
    Phoebe Ainslee
  • Brandon Tynan (small)
    Brandon Tynan
    Chester Ainslee
  • Granville Bates (small)
    Granville Bates
    The Mayor
  • Luis Alberni (small)
    Luis Alberni
    Manos
  • Roy Gordon (small)
    Roy Gordon
    Byrne