The Power and the Glory

That a masterpiece like Citizen Kane stands on the shoulders of Sturges' interesting early experiment in non-linear flashback-storytelling should bode well, but the direction is martyred by early sound film jitters. There is little to remember, and with an overly reliance on voice-over narration, it feels flat and stiff, lacking the finesse and panache of Welles' work. Great acting by Tracy, though.

Thought to be an inspiration for Citizen Kane, The Power and the Glory pales in comparison in almost everything. Narration is a big part here and it is too much a part of the narrative. Tracy and Moore are decent, but nothing that will wow you. There is also a scene that seems to demonize unions.

'The Power and the Glory' focuses on the life of a successful man played by Spencer Tracy. We start with his funeral and go back and forth in time to random points in his life as told by his longtime friend. A very Citizen Kane (1941) style movie except it was done 8 years earlier. Colleen Moore showed she could still act. Tracy was good too, but I didn't feel his personality came across too strong. Too many short sporadic stops through the life of the man to really set an lasting root.