1949
Journalist Jack Burden becomes the right-hand man to Willie Stark, a populist lawyer whose political career is launched after he exposes a corrupt school construction project and delivers a powerful, improvised speech. As governor, Willie grows increasingly corrupt, using blackmail and coercion to silence opposition and protect his family, including forcing Judge Stanton to drop impeachment proceedings. Willie's son is critically injured, prompting Willie to bribe Dr. Adam Stanton for an operation, while Willie is acquitted of impeachment charges. However, Adam Stanton, enraged by Willie's affair with his sister and the blackmail of his uncle, assassinates Willie at his victory speech before being killed by police, leaving Jack and Anne to confront the tragic aftermath.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Reporter Jack Burden follows the rise of idealistic Willie Stark from obscure rural politician to embattled governor.
Open full beat sheetJack Burden is listed as Reporter. A cynical but observant journalist who becomes Willie Stark's right-hand man. In the parsed data, Jack Burden is connected to 54 scenes, 168 dialogue lines, 170 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
54 scenes / 168 dialogue linesWillie Stark is listed as Politician / Governor. A former country lawyer who rises to become a powerful, populist governor. In the parsed data, Willie Stark is connected to 53 scenes, 189 dialogue lines, 203 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
53 scenes / 189 dialogue linesSadie Burke is listed as Political Secretary. Willie's loyal and sharp-tongued secretary. In the parsed data, Sadie Burke is connected to 24 scenes, 63 dialogue lines, 64 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
24 scenes / 63 dialogue linesSugar Boy is listed as Willie's Bodyguard. A stuttering, loyal, and dangerous associate of Willie. In the parsed data, Sugar Boy is connected to 20 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 55.
20 scenes / 3 dialogue linesTiny Duffy is listed as Political Operative. A corrupt political fixer. In the parsed data, Tiny Duffy is connected to 17 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
17 scenes / 20 dialogue linesAnne Stanton is listed as Socialite. Jack's love interest and sister of Adam Stanton. In the parsed data, Anne Stanton is connected to 16 scenes, 46 dialogue lines, 46 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
16 scenes / 46 dialogue linesLucy Stark is listed as Willie's Wife. A former schoolteacher who married Willie. In the parsed data, Lucy Stark is connected to 16 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
16 scenes / 20 dialogue linesTom Stark is listed as Willie's Son. A football player who struggles with his father's legacy. In the parsed data, Tom Stark is connected to 13 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 55.
13 scenes / 5 dialogue linesAdam Stanton is listed as Doctor. Anne's brother, an idealistic physician. In the parsed data, Adam Stanton is connected to 12 scenes, 36 dialogue lines, 37 text mentions, first appearing around scene 43.
12 scenes / 36 dialogue linesJudge Stanton is listed as Judge / Attorney General. Anne and Adam's uncle, a man of high moral standing. In the parsed data, Judge Stanton is connected to 8 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 21 text mentions, first appearing around scene 41.
8 scenes / 18 dialogue linesMadison is listed as Editor. Jack's boss at The Chronicle. In the parsed data, Madison is connected to 6 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
6 scenes / 8 dialogue linesJack Burden is reading the newspaper when a man tells him the boss wants to see him.
Jack BurdenMadison assigns Jack to cover a story about Willie Stark.
Jack Burden, Madison, Anne StantonJack arrives in Kanoma City and witnesses Willie Stark giving a speech before being arrested.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Tom StarkJack confronts Tiny Duffy about his camera and meets Willie Stark again.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sugar BoyJack has dinner with the Starks and learns about their lives.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Lucy Stark, Tom StarkJack finishes his articles on Willie Stark.
Jack Burden, MadisonA tense dinner party where Jack clashes with his stepfather.
Jack Burden, Anne Stanton, Adam Stanton, Judge StantonMrs. Burden confronts Jack about his behavior toward her husband, while Anne watches silently.
Jack Burden, Anne Stanton, Lucy StarkJack and Anne discuss their future and Jack's lack of direction.
Jack Burden, Anne StantonJack returns to work and learns Willie Stark lost the election.
Jack Burden, MadisonWillie struggles with his law studies while Lucy encourages him.
Willie Stark, Lucy StarkWillie hangs his law diploma.
Willie Stark, Lucy Stark, Tom StarkWillie solicits legal work from a farmer.
Willie StarkWillie offers to wait for his fee.
Willie StarkWillie paces in his office, frustrated by his political situation.
Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Lucy StarkA fire drill turns into a tragedy when the fire escape collapses.
Willie is hailed as an honest man by the townspeople after the tragedy.
Willie Stark, Lucy Stark, Tom StarkWillie begins compiling a scrapbook of his political rise.
Willie Stark, Lucy StarkWillie continues to paste clippings into his scrapbook.
Willie Stark, Lucy StarkMadison sends Jack to cover Willie Stark.
Jack Burden, MadisonPoliticians plot to use Willie Stark as a dummy candidate.
Tiny Duffy, Sadie BurkePoliticians arrive to recruit Willie Stark.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Lucy Stark, Sadie Burke, Tom StarkCampaign posters are displayed.
Willie gives a speech to townspeople.
Willie StarkWillie checks in with Jack after his speech.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie BurkeWillie works on his speech with his team.
Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sadie BurkeWillie gives a speech while Sadie and Jack watch.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie BurkeJack and Sadie discuss the political frame-up.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie BurkeSadie listens to Willie rehearse.
Willie Stark, Sadie BurkeJack coaches Willie, and Sadie reveals the truth about the frame-up.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie BurkeJack prepares Willie for the barbecue.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie BurkeWillie arrives at the barbecue.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sadie BurkeWillie Stark delivers a powerful, improvised speech to a crowd of hicks, denouncing his political handlers and establishing his populist platform.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyA montage of Willie's campaign speeches and Jack Burden writing stories.
Jack Burden, Willie StarkDuffy and other aides plot against Willie.
Tiny DuffyJack quits his job at the newspaper after Madison refuses to print his stories.
Jack Burden, MadisonWillie, Sadie, and Sugar Boy meet Jack at a bar after the election results.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyWillie is interviewed by reporters.
Willie Stark, Sugar BoyWillie and his entourage arrive at the hotel; Willie hires Jack.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sugar BoySadie manages the campaign office; Willie offers Jack a job.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyWillie speaks to the Stantons and their guests, convincing the Judge to join his campaign.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Adam Stanton, Judge StantonElection results are posted showing Willie Stark has been elected governor.
Willie StarkWillie gives a victory speech from a balcony to a cheering crowd.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Lucy Stark, Adam Stanton, Tom StarkJack visits the office and finds Sadie furious over a newspaper photo of Willie.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyAnne tries to speak with Willie, but he is in a rush.
Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Sadie BurkeWillie forces Pillsbury to resign and confronts Judge Stanton.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Judge Stanton, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyWillie drops Anne off and Sadie informs him of the Judge's resignation.
Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyThe legislature adjourns following the Judge's accusations.
Tiny DuffyWillie orders Jack to find dirt on Judge Stanton.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyJack visits the Stantons and questions Anne and Adam.
Jack Burden, Anne Stanton, Adam StantonAnne runs upstairs crying after an argument with Adam and Jack; Adam follows her, and the Judge observes the scene.
Anne Stanton, Adam Stanton, Jack Burden, Judge StantonJack researches old mortgage records and finds incriminating information about the Judge.
Jack BurdenSadie visits Jack, who is hiding documents about the Judge. They argue about Willie's intentions.
Jack Burden, Sadie BurkeWillie confronts Tom about his behavior during football practice.
Willie Stark, Jack Burden, Tom StarkTom crashes his car while driving drunk with Helene.
Tom StarkMr. Hale confronts Willie about Tom's drunk driving and the accident.
Lucy Stark, Willie Stark, Jack Burden, Sugar Boy, Tiny Duffy, Tom StarkWillie faces the press regarding the accident and the disappearance of Mr. Hale.
Willie Stark, Jack Burden, Sugar BoyThe crowd heckles Willie and Tom during the game.
Willie Stark, Jack Burden, Lucy Stark, Sadie Burke, Tiny DuffyWillie forces Tom to play in the game despite his head injury.
Tom Stark, Willie Stark, Jack BurdenTom collapses on the field during the game.
Tom Stark, Willie StarkWillie and Lucy wait for news on Tom; Adam Stanton arrives.
Lucy Stark, Willie Stark, Sugar Boy, Jack Burden, Adam StantonWillie and Jack discuss Tom's condition with Dr. Stanton, while Willie attempts to bribe the doctor to operate.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Lucy Stark, Adam StantonJack meets Anne outside the hospital and they walk together, discussing Willie and Adam.
Jack Burden, Anne StantonWillie, Jack, Anne, and Adam inspect the construction site of the new hospital.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Adam StantonWillie watches a newsreel about his political career and accomplishments.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Sugar BoyWillie visits his family at the farm for a photo opportunity.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Lucy Stark, Sadie Burke, Sugar Boy, Tom StarkWillie learns of impeachment threats while at the farm and demands his family return to the capital.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Lucy Stark, Sadie Burke, Sugar Boy, Tom StarkA senator formally introduces a resolution to impeach Governor Willie Stark.
Willie and his team strategize to stop the impeachment.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Tiny Duffy, Sadie BurkeJack tries to convince the Judge to drop the impeachment, but Willie interrupts.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Judge Stanton, Sugar BoyWillie and Sugar Boy confront the Judge about impeachment proceedings, using blackmail regarding the Fortune Electric Company to pressure him.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Judge Stanton, Sugar BoyJack and Willie leave the Judge's house, encountering Adam and Anne Stanton, followed by a gunshot.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Adam Stanton, Judge StantonJack leaves the house with Anne and Adam, confirming he kept his promise to wait before showing the papers.
Jack Burden, Anne Stanton, Adam StantonAnne visits Jack to plead for help regarding Adam's knowledge of her affair with Willie.
Jack Burden, Anne StantonJack searches for Adam amidst the pro-Willie crowds at the Capitol.
Jack Burden, Adam StantonWillie is acquitted of impeachment, gives a speech, and is assassinated by Adam, who is then killed by police.
Jack Burden, Willie Stark, Anne Stanton, Adam Stanton, Sadie Burke, Sugar BoyWell, you don't have to worry about him. If Adam finds out it'll be easy to prove a Stanton is no different than anybody else. Just show him these. Willie was right... a man is conceived in sin and born in corruption. Even Judge Stanton. Show them to him, Anne. Change the picture of the world that Adam has in his head, just like our picture of it has been changed.
Enough? He didn't even get anything out of it. Oh, they'd have paid you to take a rap like that, but they didn't have to pay a sap like you. Oh, no, you were so full of yourself and hot air, all you wanted was a chance to stand up on your hind legs and make a speech: my friends, what this state needs is a good five-cent cigar. What this state needs is a --
Oh, I'm going to lose, Mr. Burden. I know that. Don't try and fool me. I'm not going to lie to you. I wanted it. I wanted it so badly I stayed up nights thinking about it. A man wants something so badly he gets mixed up in knowing what he wants. It's something inside of you. I would have made a good governor. Better than those other fellows.
No, Stark is not for you. Well, what is for you? Pride. Pride, that's all it is... foolish, stupid pride. All you've ever talked about is what you could do if... if somebody would tear down and build. All right, all right, somebody has, and he's given it to you. But he's not for you. No, he's not for you.
How would they know? The first thing he did was to take over the newspapers and the radio stations. Why be so afraid of criticism? If Stark is interested in doing good, he should also be interested in the truth. I don't see how you can separate the two. No, Stark is not for me.
All right, all right, gentlemen. I'll give you a statement. This whole thing is a mess of lies. It's a frame. The man that made that statement... have him repeat it to my face. He can't. He vanished. Let me ask you some questions. Where has he gone? Where is he?
Mr. Speaker, I offer a house resolution. Whereas Willie Stark, governor of this state, has been guilty of incompetence, corruption, and favoritism in office -- yes, and other high crimes -- that he is hereby impeached, and ordered to be tried by the senate.
Anne, I've wanted you to say that more than anything in the world, and now that you've said it... Anne, I guess you were right. I'm not sure of anything, including myself. I'm not sure I could live up to the... Anne, wait for me. Please wait for me.
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