Storyline

In 1923, Gregory Vance, a widower with two children, is a former scholar who has turned from book-to-bottle. He works, slightly, as a night-watchman and his children, who know him for what he is and what he isn't, are his only admirers. Then, it is discovered that he is the only registered voter in a key precinct and the politicians, from both parties, arrive in droves bearing inducements. What he does about this situation, and the relatives who want to take his children away from him make up the story.—Les Adams

Plot Keywords

professor, daughter, son, teacher, mayor, political boss, engaging, bleak, heartwarming, uplifting, small town, college, household, office, family, political corruption, education, small-town life, self-esteem, transformation, fall, rise, 1930s

Short Review

I loved this movie when I saw it as a kid on the morning movie we always watched with breakfast in the summer when we didn't have to go to school. It was always a favorite of mine! The kids are adorable and Barrymore is great as their father, a man fallen onto hard times and alcohol as a result of his grief over his wife's death. His big moment to become a "great man" comes when he is the only registered voter in his ward, and the city always goes the way of his ward's for.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership