The Power and the Glory

The Power and the Glory (1933)

Genres - Drama  |   Sub-Genres - Psychological Drama  |   Release Date - Oct 6, 1933 (USA - Unknown)  |   Run Time - 76 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Review by Dan Friedman

Long considered one of the great lost classics of Hollywood's Golden Age, The Power And The Glory has recently resurfaced, marking a coup for lovers of cinema history. Although the new prints available are not of the greatest quality, the film itself still proves to be a landmark. First of all, it is the first screenplay produced by the great writer (and future director) Preston Sturges, modeled on the family of his then-wife. Sturges has crafted a powerful drama about the life of the wealthy in America. Second, it is a remarkable foreshadowing of Citizen Kane, itself still eight years in the future. The film tells the tale of a man's life after his death, portraying his rise from a humble railworker to a railroad magnate and how he deals with those around him during his ascent. This element is also very prevalent, indeed it's the centerpiece, of Kane. Third, this is the film that put Spencer Tracy on the map of Hollywood stardom, propelling him to the legendary status that he enjoys even to this day. He plays the character of Tom Garner with utter believability, including the character's faults. This is unusual, particularly for 1933, and the credit for that can fall to Sturges. Colleen Moore plays Sally Garner and the only word to describe her performance, without danger of overstatement, is magnificent. She gives Tracy a sure-handed run for his money. The film also features Ralph Morgan, better known for his portrayal of villains in B-movies, who here produces another excellent role for his large canon. Anyone who is interested in the genesis of the great Hollywood film, particularly fans of Orson Welles and Citizen Kane, should try their utmost to find this film now that it's back in circulation, albeit a limited one.