Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long

• Director: Thomas Schlamme
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Drama
• Movie Type: Political Drama, Biopic
• Themes: Rise To Power
• Main Cast: John Goodman
• Release Year: 1995
• Country: US

Plot

Originally made for cable television, this biographical drama chronicles the life of Huey P. Long (John Goodman), whose corrupt political machine dominated Louisiana for years. The movie opens with a 1930's newsreel giving a report on Long's plan to a run for U.S. President while depicting him as a demagogue in the tradition of Hitler and Mussolini. Shortly after the newsreel, Long is gunned down by an assassin, and the story is told in flashbacks as he reflects on his rise from humble beginnings, to Governor of Louisiana, and on to U.S. Senator. Long's power in his home state eventually bordered on dictatorship, but he received widespread support from the poor and disenfranchised because of his populist programs, such as providing free schoolbooks and building rural roads. The film also shows the private man behind the public persona, including a poignant scene at a relative's funeral where Long's father reproaches him for lying about his family to garner votes. Goodman was Emmy-nominated for his performance. ~ All Movie Guide

Cast

Matt Craven - Seymour reiss; Ann Dowd; John Goodman - Huey P. Long; Anne Heche; Jeff Perry; Brent Spiner; Bob Gunton

Credit

Daniel Schneider - Co-producer, Thomas Schlamme - Director, Paul Dixon - Editor, Patrick Williams - Composer (Music Score), Thomas A. Walsh - Production Designer, Alexander Gruszynski - Cinematographer, Robert W. Christiansen - Producer, Rick Rosenberg - Producer, Paul Monash - Screenwriter

Similar Movies

Blaze; The Life and Assassination of the Kingfish; A Lion Is in the Streets; Ken Burns' America: Huey Long; All the King's Men; All the King's Men