In a bravura performance, broderick crawford won the 1949 academy award for best actor with his stunning portrayal of bullheaded backwoods lawyer willie stark in the powerful drama about political and personal corruption. A somber but realistic chronicle of raw , brutal power in force, 'all the king's men' is based on robert penn warren's pulitzer prize winning novel of the same name. It was brought to the screen in 1949 by producer robert rossen, who also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. The story was inspired by the rise and fall of southern bigwig huey pierce long the infamous 'kingfish' who was louisiana's governor and one time senator. 'all the king's men' remains a hallmark political film with superb performances throughout.