Biopic of the political career of Jimmy Walker, flamboyant and somewhat corrupt Mayor of New York City from 1926-1932.
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Title: Beau James (1957)
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Bob Hope | ... | Mayor James J. 'Jimmy' Walker | |
| Vera Miles | ... | Betty Compton | |
| Paul Douglas | ... | Chris Nolan | |
| Alexis Smith | ... | Allie Walker | |
| Darren McGavin | ... | Charley Hand | |
| Joe Mantell | ... | Bernie Williams - Broadway producer | |
| Horace McMahon | ... | Prosecutor | |
| Richard Shannon | ... | Dick Jackson | |
| Willis Bouchey | ... | Arthur Julian | |
| Sid Melton | ... | Sid Nash | |
| George Jessel | ... | George Jessel | |
| Walter Catlett | ... | Gov. Alfred E. 'Al' Smith | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
The story of Jimmy Walker who became mayor of New York in the '20s. Used by professional politicians and money-grabbers, Walker himself was "stupid but clean", although his open affair with Betty Compton cost him dear. Written by Jeremy Perkins {J-26}
Taglines:
The Story of Fabulous Jimmy Walker . . . Mayor of New York See more »Parents Guide:
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(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
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Did You Know?
Trivia
This film and The Seven Little Foys (1955) are the two serious dramas that Bob Hope starred in. See more »Goofs
Mayor Walker is in a parade near movie's end. In the background is a 1955 or 1956 Cadillac. See more »Quotes
Mayor James J. 'Jimmy' Walker: Goodbye... but remember this: the voters always get what they deserve. I wasn't the only chump in this city. It took a lot of you to elect me.See more »
Soundtracks
Someone to Watch Over Me(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
7 June 1957 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Beau James See more »Edit
Box Office
Gross USA:
$1,750,000Company Credits
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I was a teenager when James J. Walker was the Mayor of New York. Bob Hope doesn't look anything like him but catches the essence of his exuberant spirits and lack of responsibility very well. The narration by Walter Winchell adds just the right touch.
Paul Douglas is perfect as the Tammany boss. Hope is especially terrific in the dramatic conflict and emotional scenes with both Alexis Smith and Vera Miles. It makes me wish Hope did more straight-up dramas. It is especially a shame in retrospect, because after Beau James, Hope really never had the opportunity to make a good movie again (unless you count Critic's Choice which I don't).
If you enjoy nostalgic sad-and-funny movies about New York, this is one for you.