Frank Morgan discards his "confused middle-aged guy" persona to star in this moralistic, yet fine early 1940s film. Morgan plays the role of John Josephus Grant, an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Grant is overworked, and takes a hunting trip to Crownport, a typical small town. Here he quickly becomes embroiled in corrupt local politics, headed by a very crooked and despicable local judge (Porter Hall). He teams up with his secretary (Jean Rogers) and a local mayoral candidate (Richard Carlson) to overcome the bad guys and clean up the town. Of course, there's an obligatory love story, involving the characters of Rogers and Carlson.
Morgan takes full advantage of this rare top-billed role and gives a warm and believable performance. Rogers is also in top form, while Carlson is just average in an average role. Morgan's rousing speech to the local townsfolk about American government may seem a little overripe today, but is perfect in the context of a WWII-era movie. It's also fun to watch the town's corrupt bosses squirm when they find out Morgan's true identity. This film's a reflection of a long-ago time when people generally trusted our political institutions.
Morgan takes full advantage of this rare top-billed role and gives a warm and believable performance. Rogers is also in top form, while Carlson is just average in an average role. Morgan's rousing speech to the local townsfolk about American government may seem a little overripe today, but is perfect in the context of a WWII-era movie. It's also fun to watch the town's corrupt bosses squirm when they find out Morgan's true identity. This film's a reflection of a long-ago time when people generally trusted our political institutions.