Preston Sturges's Academy Award-winning screenplay provides the spark for The Great McGinity, a satirical comedy that also marked his directorial debut. Depression-era bum Dan McGinty (Brian Donlevy), intrigued by the offer of quick cash for ballot stuffing, makes himself a fortune while securing a reputation among local politicians as an adept scam man. Encouraging his talents, a crooked political boss (Akim Tamiroff) grooms McGinty from a lowly bill collector to State Governor. Taken with his new wife (Muriel Angelus), the rising leader discovers a desire for reform, but instead must battle against his vengeful cronies who are keen on keeping him from exposing the unethical side of government.