Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long

In the 1959 American drama film "Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long," the life and career of Huey P. Long, a charismatic and ambitious politician from Louisiana, are portrayed in vivid detail. This film is an engaging and thought-provoking account of the rise and fall of one of the most influential figures in American history. Born in 1893 in Winn Parish, Louisiana, Huey Long was the eldest of nine children to a family of modest means. His mother, Caledonia Tison Long, was a devout Christian who instilled in her children a strong sense of values and compassion, which would shape Huey's future actions. Growing up in a small town, Huey's father, Huey Pierce Sr., owned a store but struggled financially, a fact that left a lasting impression on the young Huey. The film opens with Huey's early years as a successful lawyer and politician in Louisiana, where he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a member of the state senate. His populist ideology and unorthodox methods resonated with the common people of Louisiana, who were suffering under the great economic depression of the 1930s. With his "Every Man a King" campaign slogan and his promise to give the 'little man' a voice in government, Huey Long built a massive following in Louisiana, making him a force to be reckoned with in Washington. When Huey is elected the Governor of Louisiana in 1928, he takes on the entrenched elite, using his charisma and intelligence to push through his agenda and build a coalition of supporters. He creates programs and policies to benefit the poor and marginalized, such as the Louisiana Library Commission and the University of Louisiana system, which become cornerstones of his legacy. However, Huey's success and popularity soon attract the attention of federal authorities, who view him as a threat to their power and control. As Huey's influence grows, he finds himself at odds with the establishment, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who sees him as a rival to his own progressive agenda. Huey's rise to prominence also attracts the ire of those in Louisiana who feel threatened by his policies and his unorthodox methods. Meanwhile, Huey's private life becomes increasingly complicated. He marries Rose McGinnis, a young woman from a middle-class family, and they have two children together. However, his extramarital affairs and womanizing soon become public knowledge, causing tension in his personal relationships. Despite his controversies and personal flaws, Huey Long remains a formidable figure, beloved by his constituents and feared by his enemies. He becomes a master of manipulation, using his charm and oratory skills to get what he wants, often by any means necessary. However, Huey's life is cut short in 1935, when he is assassinated in the state capitol in Baton Rouge. His death leaves a vacuum in Louisiana politics, and his legacy is both celebrated and reviled. Those who remember him as a champion of the people see him as a tragic hero, who was brutally taken from them too soon. Those who opposed him see him as a power-hungry demagogue, whose aggressive tactics and unscrupulous methods made him a menace to democracy. "Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long" is a complex and nuanced portrayal of a larger-than-life figure, who was both a product of his time and a force that shaped American politics. This film is a gripping and thought-provoking account of a man who, for all his flaws, left a lasting impact on the nation.