The Dark Horse
1932The Progressive Party convention is deadlocked for governor, so both sides nominate the dark horse Zachary Hicks. Kay Russell suggests they hire Hal Blake as campaign manager; but first they have to get him out of jail for not paying alimony. Blake organizes the office and coaches Hicks to answer every question by pausing and then saying, "Well yes, but then again no." Blake will sell Hicks as dumb but honest. Russell refuses to marry Blake, while Joe keeps people away from Blake's office. Blake teaches Hicks a speech by Lincoln. At the debate when the conservative candidate Underwood recites the same speech, Blake exposes him as a plagiarist. Hicks is presented for photo opportunities and gives his yes-and-no answer to any question, including whether he expects to win.
Acted in
Bette Davis
as Kay Russell
Warren William
as Hal Samson Blake
Guy Kibbee
as Zachary Hicks
Vivienne Osborne
as Hal's Ex-Wife Maybelle Blake
Frank McHugh
as Joe
Sam Hardy
as Mr. Black
Harry Holman
as Mr. Jones
Charles Sellon
as Mr. Green
Robert Emmett O'Connor
as Sheriff
Berton Churchill
as William A. Underwood
Robert Warwick
as Mr. Clark
Louise Beavers
as Kay's Maid Levinnia
Harry C. Bradley
as Blue Ribbon Man
Harrison Greene
as Delegate Next to Hicks
Harry Leroy
as Delegate
Wilfred Lucas
as Debate Chairman
Wilbur Mack
as Conservative Party Man
Tom McGuire
as Conservative Party Man
Bert Moorhouse
as Reporter
Edmund Mortimer
as Convention Delegate
Field Norton
as Delegate
Henry Otho
as Delegate Spreading the Word
Paul Panzer
as Delegate Telephoning
Cyril Ring
as Airport Clerk
Cliff Saum
as Progressive Party Man
Harry Seymour
as Conservative Party Man
Charles Sherlock
as Progressive Party Man
Phil Tead
as Bellhop
Jim Thorpe
as Blackfeet Indian Chief
Monte Vandergrift
as Delegate
Harry Wilson
as Man in Jail Cell