The Last Hurrah
The Last Hurrah
NR
7.1
·

1958

·

117m

The Last Hurrah

Summary

In a changing world where television has become the main source of information, Adam Caulfield, a young sports journalist, witnesses how his uncle, Frank Skeffington, a veteran and honest politician, mayor of a New England town, tries to be reelected while bankers and captains of industry conspire in the shadows to place a weak and manageable candidate in the city hall.

Director

John Ford

Novel

Edwin O'Connor

Screenplay

Frank S. Nugent

Reviews

Geronimo1967

Geronimo1967

October 9, 2023

7

Spencer Tracy is very much in his element as the long established, ducking and diving, Irish-American city mayor who takes on the blue-blooded commercial powers-that-be in his un-named New England city led by industrialist "Cass" (Basil Rathbone). It plays a little to Irish-American stereotypes across the board - corruption abounds all over the shop; plenty of light hearted cons and arm-twisting being used for the public good and with a little healthy pocket-lining at the same time. A solid supporting cast led by Jeffrey Hunter (his nephew "Adam") with an on form James Gleason ("Cuke") and Donald Crisp as the obligatory Cardinal all make for a well put together political drama with plenty of pithily scripted and lightly-amusing banter, most of which comes from the confident Tracy. I didn't much care for the ending; it is a little disappointing - almost as if John Ford ran out of steam - but overall, the pace is great and fans of modern day American "machine" politics will still see plenty that resonates even now. Maybe a little bit too long, but still a thoroughly engaging vehicle for the star to demonstrate his personable acting style and is certainly well worth watching.

Media

Status:

Released

Original Language:

English

Budget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Keywords

husband wife relationship
based on novel or book
election campaign
irish-american
black humor
politician
family secrets
class differences
co-workers relationship
uncle nephew relationship
political satire
town mayor
usa politics
mayoral campaign
mayoral candidate
social prejudice
mayoral election