Our Leading Citizen (1939): cast, story & where to watch
1939 · Film
Released in 1939, Our Leading Citizen is a comedy and drama film directed by Alfred Santell, running about 89 minutes. “The Story of a Lovable, Humorous Politician..!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Lem Schofield, a lawyer in a one-time small-town turned industrialized big city, runs his firm on examples set by Abraham Lincoln and is a friend to the poor. Clay Clinton, his late partner's son joins the firm but is anxious for fast success and considers Schofield's old-fashioned principles antiquated. Being in love with Schofield's daughter and impatient for success he moves to offices supplied by the city's most powerful industrialist, J.T. Tapley, who has plans to use Clay's good family lineage as a stepping stone to political power. The unscrupulous Tapley precipitates a strike in his factory mill which causes a rupture between the former partners. Schofield sets out to bring Tapley and his political henchmen to justice.
Who’s in it. Our Leading Citizen stars Bob Burns as Lem Schofield, Susan Hayward as Judith Schofield, Joseph Allen as Clay Clinton and Elizabeth Patterson as Aunt Tillie, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Our Leading Citizen page.
If you liked it. Fans of Our Leading Citizen tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Our Leading Citizen (1939)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Our Leading Citizen change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Our Leading Citizen?
- Our Leading Citizen stars Bob Burns, Susan Hayward, Joseph Allen, Elizabeth Patterson and Charles Bickford.
- When was Our Leading Citizen released?
- Our Leading Citizen was released in 1939, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.