The "puppet" elected official in this case is Bo Gillis (Dean Martin), a friendly, easy-going man of little education. As his campaign for governor enters its final weeks, Bo and his entourage make a stop in one of the small towns of their Southern state. A visit to a local establishment provides Bo with an introduction to call girl, Ada (Susan Hayward). Although his campaign manager warns him "no girls," Bo spends the night with Ada and ends up falling in love with her, and much to the chagrin of his people, he decides to marry her.
Sylvester Marin (Wilfrid Hyde-White) is the kingpin behind Bo's campaign, and he is furious about the inappropriate marriage. Though he suggests an annulment, Bo is adamant that he loves Ada and will not end his marriage to her. Unable to get Ada out of the picture, Marin and his people develop an "acceptable" biography for Ada, and then they (without Bo's knowledge) seek to discredit the opponent by digging up dirt on his wife. In Sylvester's words, "If you want to grow a beautiful rose, there's nothing like a little manure."
After Bo wins the election, he and Ada move into the governor's mansion; however, Bo soon discovers that the only job he has is affixing his signature to documents Mr. Marin prepares. When his Lieutenant Governor (Frank Maxwell) makes him aware that the bills he is signing are filled with graft, Bo is furious, and with Ada's encouragement, he determines he'll stand up to Sylvester. Marin, however, who has no intention of giving up his power, retaliates by forcing the Lieutenant Governor to resign, appointing Ada to that position, and then keeping her in line by threatening to expose her less-than-savory past. How it all plays out is the balance of the film. (And both Susan Hayward and Dean Martin have the opportunity to deliver Jimmy Stewartesque anti-political corruption lines.)
In comparing Ada to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Ada, of course, falls far short; however, it is still an interesting film, with a great message. The acting is extremely good. Wilfrid Hyde-White, who I only know as a good guy, is great as the political "heavy." It was actually kind of hard seeing him in this kind of role. He is and always will be the kindly Colonel Pickering of My Fair Lady to me. Dean Martin did a wonderful job in this dramatic role. Since his character is a guitar-playing, down-to-earth man, the role seemed a great fit for Martin. He even did a good job with the Southern accent! And Susan Hayward...wow! She was terrific! She had an incredible talent for portraying feisty, determined, hard-boiled women, and she played the part of Ada beautifully. In fact, it really is her acting which took this film from 3 to 4 stars for me.
The film is not out on DVD, nor does TCM air it very often. Do keep your eyes peeled for it, though. I think it's a very good, very relevant film.
Happy viewing!!