Ada

Director: Daniel Mann Daniel Mann

Overview

Dean Martin plays an easygoing Southern politician, long on charm but short on brains. Susan Hayward, a poor girl with rich ideas, marries Martin and endeavors to engineer him into the governor's chair. Though no saint herself, Hayward is determined to overcome the good-old-boy corruption infesting the state government. She emerges triumphant after a public showdown with crafty politico Wilfred Hyde-White. Based on a novel by Wirt Williams,Ada was produced by the same team that had guided Susan Hayward to an Oscar nomination for I'll Cry Tomorrow.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/02/2012
UPC:	0883316630174
Original Release:	1961
Source:	Warner Archives
Region Code:	All
Sound:	[monaural]
Language:	English
Time:	1:48:00

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Susan Hayward	Ada Gillis
Dean Martin	Bo Gillis
Wilfrid Hyde-White	Sylvester Marin
Ralph Meeker	Colonel Yancey
Martin Balsam	Steve Jackson
Frank Maxwell	Ronnie Hallerton
Connie Sawyer	Alice Sweet
Ford Rainey	Speaker
Charles Watts	Al Winslow
Larry Gates	Joe Adams
Robert F. Simon	Natfield
Robert Simon	Natfield
William Zuckert	Harry Davers
Mary Treen	Clubwoman
Richard Benedict	Actor
Helen Beverly	Actor
Robert Burton	Actor
Kathryn Card	Actor
Bronislau Kaper	Composer

Technical Credits

William Driskill

Daniel Mann	Director
Lawrence Weingarten	Producer
William Driskill	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

Although the novel that was its basis was somewhat inspired by a real political situation, Ada suffers from a severe credibility problem. For those who don't mind how outrageous the plot twists and machinations of their soap operas are, Ada will probably be an okay way to pass a little time. But for those who insist on some degree of believability, the movie will be sunk within the first fifteen minutes. It might not be so bad if Ada's plot twists and turns were buttressed by some incisive characterizations or dialogue that crackled and sparkled. Unfortunately, it's all one-dimensional characters who spout lines we've all heard time and time again. Still, it's easy to see why Susan Hayward was attracted to the project, as the title role is one of those characters that she can give her all to --and she does. It's not great acting, but it's commanding and powerful, and it keeps Ada moving. Surprisingly, Dean Martin turns in one of his stronger performances, making one wish he had committed himself to some better roles in his career. The rest of the cast is fine, even if Wilfrid Hyde-White's accent comes and goes, and director Daniel Mann plays up the strengths of his performers as much as possible.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler