The Life and Assassination of the Kingfish

Excellent background and great atmosphere. I was extra in this film and noticed the background was authentic. I felt I went on trip even though it was in my own neighborhood. Times sure have changed. Wardrobe was authentic and gave feel to the story. Setting is very important to a story and plot. Acting was excellent and authentic. Also, learned quite a bit of history from it. Life as it really was in the 30s. Every detail noticed. I was in funeral scene at Louisiana State Capitol Rotunda, the scene in parking lot in front of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital right across from Lake from State Capitol, and an "Arkansas Political Rally" with character, female Senator from Arkansas there.

As an ordinary french citizen I had never heard of this dude - Huey Long. And this TV movie has never been aired in France, at least I guess. But it is worth watching. Eddy Asner is absolutely terrific as this politician. Very impressive performance. And I don't know why, but his performance, besides the story itself, reminds me the two adaptations, the two films that were ALL THE KING'S MEN, starring Broderick - machine gun talking - Crawford for the Robert Rossen's film, and Sean Penn for the remake. Same kind of tales and characters. The rise and fall of non ordinary people. A scheme used a billion times in movie history, especially for politicians and gangsters. The scene when he passes away is outstanding. I have rarely seen a character, on screen, dying this way. Very realistic sequence. A flawless TV feature.

I have not seen this movie. Just to let you know. Dr.Carl Austin Weiss was in fact innocent and Huey Long was accidentally killed by one of his bodyguards ( Joe Messina? ). Carl Weiss is in fact not guilty and Huey Long was accidentally shot. I read this book called "Accident and Deception: The Huey Long Shooting" and it proves that Carl Weiss is innocent. And in my opinion history needs to be re-written and tell the full truth and what really happened on Sept.8,1935. This is what really happened:

Dr.Carl Austin Weiss went to the state capitol to talk to Huey Long of the case of his father-in-law Judge Benjamin Henry Pavy. The first time, Weiss asked to talk to Long and the senator said that he was busy. The second time, Weiss asked again and Long told Weiss that he was really busy right now and told him to relax and he would be back in just a second. The third time, Huey Long was angry and he went to the office of Governor Oscar Allen and shouted at him. When Long turned around Dr.Weiss told Long that he really needed to talk to him and Long pushed Weiss and told the doctor to leave him alone. Weiss frustrated, lost his composure, screamed at Long and punched the senator in the mouth. The bodyguard pulled out their firearms and began shooting Dr.Weiss. Bodyguard, Elliot Coleman hit Weiss to the floor and the bodyguards kept killing Dr.Weiss. One of the bodyguards ( Joe Messina ) pulled out his firearm which hung in the holster and misfired striking Long in the back. Huey was then rushed to a hospital to be operated on, but Huey Long died on Sept.10,1935.

That is what exactly happened.

Randy Newman score, before he was as famous as his uncles for movie scores. Much better than the remake. Should be on DVD. I saw this movie in college, historically accurate as these things go. Music gives period and setting great feel. Edward Asner's performance was captivating. Was James Carville a technical consultant. He seems like he stepped off the screen of this wonderful TV Movie. "Wonderful TV Movie", is usually a contradiction in terms. Does not attempt to answer questions of what happened concerning the exact circumstances of Huey Long's shooting in the state capital's rotunda. History offers conflicting interpretations of the forensic record, if it can be accepted as fact.