Beau James

New York City is known for choosing colorful characters for its mayors. One its most illustrious was the wisecracking, dancing and singing Mayor James J. Walker (as played by Bob Hope in a rare, serious role) who helmed the Big Apple in the 1920s. This biopic chronicles his surprising rise to power ...more

Bob Hope is given a rare dramatic role in Beau James, playing a character that is not just Bob Hope with another name. Hope is not totally successful in his portrayal, and he's not ideal casting as the legendary Jimmy Walker, but it's interesting to see the famed comedian playing against type -- and to see how he can't quite make the leap and totally give up his Hope persona. Of course, the role has been re-tailored to fit Hope a bit more, which wreaks a little havoc with the facts and, not so ...more