The Night Mayor

Lee Tracy is the Mayor of New York. He's up for re-election with the reformers wanting him out. He's under investigation by the mayor. In reality, he's an honest guy who loves the spotlight and his doing his best for the City. He's also in love with showgirl Evalyn Knapp, which is a major scandal in itelf.

Clearly this movie was based on Ne York Mayor Jimmy Walker; he would resign from office the month after this movie was released. For the moment, though, you couldn't say that without getting in a lot of trouble.

Tracy is fine as the fast-talking and fast-thinking fellow, and Miss Knapp is cute as a button. Other notable players include Don Dilaway, Eugene Pallette, Vince Barnett, and Astrid Allwyn.

Even though this stars Lee Tracy, the most unlikeable star of the 1930s, it's actually quite enjoyable. His character is based on the actual larger than life, flamboyant former mayor of New York, Jimmy Walker who was forced out of office because of scandals.

Mr Tracey conveys that guy's charisma along with that arrogance and sense of entitlement that often comes with power. For once, Tracy's own screen persona, as annoying as it is, is perfectly suited to his role and he's surprisingly genuine making this a very watchable, quite engaging romantic drama.

The real life scandal was still unfolding when this was made so it would certainly have dragged the crowds in at the time, Today, nobody knows who Jimmy Walker was but the themes of this picture still feels contemporary and relevant. Because of the immediacy of the story, this film feels like it's happening now in front of you. It superbly immerses you in that quintessential 1930s black and white atmosphere of seediness and innocence.

Essentially the story is an old fashioned love triangle. The cocky mayor, who's not exactly without some charm, falls head over heels in love with a showgirl. He knows it's stupid, he knows she's already got a boyfriend she's happy with but that's not important to him because he's the mayor so can do whatever the hell he wants.

Evalyn Knapp plays the girl who captures the heart of the playboy politician. I can completely understand why: Evalyn Knapp is absolutely adorable. So cute! She's like an even sweeter version of Bessie Love with added sweetness. I'd imagine it would be impossible for anyone to resist her charms, certainly not the smarmy, lecherous character Tracy plays.

Whilst controversial at the time and dividing opinion (the real Mayor Walker had quite a fan base), today this now serves as a light-hearted, sanitised slice of the seedier side of the thirties. If you enjoy early thirties movies and can put up with Lee Tracy, you'll find this quite fun.