All the King’s Men portrays the dramatic, and theatrical political rise and governorship of Willie Stark, a cynical, liberal populist in the American South during the 1930s. The novel is narrated by Jack Burden, a political reporter who comes to work as Governor Stark’s right-hand man. The trajectory of Stark’s career is interwoven with Jack Burden’s life story and philosophical reflections: “the story of Willie Stark and the story of Jack Burden are, in one sense, one story.

 

Eliminate the story of Huey Long, which Mr. Warren says is not what he is trying to interpret. He is anatomizing the career with nothing but purity in his heart. Discovering that he is being used by a cynical machine, [Willie] adopts their methods, and presently, he is in control of the state. By resorting to corrupt methods he accomplishes things for the people that were only abstract ideals when he was campaigning honestly. As a portrait of politics, this is effective and provocative.”  

 

This version of the widely known work, which, as a novel, was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, had a highly successful Off-Broadway run during the 1959 season. “Willie in all his personal relationships is a fascinating man and often a winning man, too…What is right and what is wrong? Mr. Warren makes a stimulating inquiry into that troublesome question.” —NY Times. “ALL THE KING’S MEN went off with a roofshaking bang…This is the most engrossing drama seen off Broadway in months.” —NY World Telegram & Sun. “This drama by Robert Penn Warren is a blockbuster. It is a major Off-Broadway event…A subtle and rich study of man in society.” —Cue Magazine.