StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Staci Frederick Blistering performances.

vincentlynch-moonoi For me, this film started off with a leg up because of the two stars. I'm a huge Dean Martin fan, and Susan Hayward has always been a favorite. Having said that, I still think this film is under-appreciated.I've heard people say that the plot's not really believable. It's about as believable as the plots of most films. And, it's loosely based on some real southern history -- multiple times in fact, and most recently in the case of Lurleen Wallace, wife to George Wallace. However -- despite the modernity of Hayward's attire in the film -- this film was set during the Great Depression...and in the deep South. So I think the basic plot is quite believable.As much as I enjoy Dean on film, a better southern accent would have helped (which he certainly achieved in "Some Came Running"). However, he's supposed to be a bit of a bumpkin in this role, and I think he plays it as needed. Susan Hayward...well, she has "spunk", and it really showed in this film. When you went to a Susan Hayward film, this is exactly the kind of portrayal you wanted to see.There are also a couple of superb supporting performances. Wilfred Hyde-White is brilliant as the dirty politician. True, his British accent showed through a tad, but his delight in playing the villainous role more than made up for that. An actor I usually don't really appreciate -- Ralph Meeker -- ably portrays the sleazy "colonel" in the state police and militia -- a wonderful performance. Martin Balsam is also very good as the speech writer/college boy working for the governor, but his role needed to be expanded just a bit. Balsam was one of those reliable character actors throughout much of the latter half of the 1900s. Frank Maxwell also has a good role as the lieutenant governor here, and joins a number of recognizable character actors in support of the primary cast.I also have to mention the direction of the film. It would have been very easy to overdo it with the southern aspect of the film, and shove that southern malaise down our throats (as Lillian Hellman sometimes did). Director Daniel Mann resisted that temptation, and also "the South" was always there, it didn't overwhelm the story.The Warner Archives has recently (2012) released this film, although it has not been restored. My biggest complaint with the DVD is a lack of crispness (though not bad), and variations in skin tone throughout the film...often too red. But, it's still nice to have it out in reasonable quality.Yup, I'm a bit prejudiced here, but this has always been a particular favorite of mine. I highly recommend it, soap-sudsy as it may seem.

swinginoldielover Apon viewing this film I felt a number of different emotions. I really didn't intend to watch this film at all. However, once I started I was quite anxious to find out how it ended.The plot for the movie was interesting. A tramp marries the man running for governor three weeks prior to the election day, and they proceed to clean-up corruption in politics, when he is elected. The first thing I thought was how hypocritical. He was elected by crooks and then decided he didn't like them. That, of course, made me think of Wilson, President Wilson. He did the same thing. So I dismissed that notion. If Wilson can do it, it's not too bad.Next as the film went on I began to wonder why they ever got married. Susan Hayward(redhead) and Dean Martin(lounge singer) didn't seem to be an ideal couple in my mind. I must say, they didn't look too odd next to each other. Their "marriage" was not a healthy one to say the least. They did work well in their roles. I enjoyed Susan's ruthless determination and Dean's clueless and laid back attitude. I think an already established acting couple or a couple that looks like they could have a relationship off stage would have been better. I felt like they weren't right together. Nonetheless, they did a good job.The final thing was the ending. It really bothered me. There was something missing. Like dialogue or a kiss or some form of interaction besides looking at each other. The scene was wonderful. I loved the whole Congress session. But it was like the writer gave up on ending the relationship between the main characters. He/She (I don't remember who wrote it) thought we didn't care what they did as long as they were together. That may be, but I need more than a hand shake to show that they are happy together.This is really a good film. I love Hayward. Her characters are so passionate and devoted. That really worked well. The "angry" scenes were stifled because Dean's not a "yeller." In this role it appears he lacks the drive to get angry. In all, Susan steals the show and lays every thing on the line to win our hearts and Dean's.

CountessM "Ada" has a good premise, but unfortunately does not evolve into a good movie. The soapy melodrama about a "puppet" gubernatorial candidate married to a prostitute does not due justice to the talents of its stars. The fine talents of the three main stars are not fully explored, and their characters are likewise underdeveloped. The ending is hardly probable, and as a resolution, it leaves a lot to be desired.The cast do the best they can with the material they have. Dean Martin and Susan Hayward are both quite credible in their highly emotional performances. Wilfrid Hyde-White is also good in portraying a grasping and stifling villain, an unusual role for him.

Patrick-96 My pet peeve about some films is that they are supposed to be period pieces, but have the 'look' of the year in which they were filmed. This is the case with 'Ada.' We are to believe that it takes place in the 1930's, but Susan Hayward's wardrobe and hairstyle reflect the year it was made, 1961.The ending also bugs me. After a big showdown in the Capitol building, Susan and Dean Martin leave the building and are shown ALL ALONE. Where did everyone else go? There were hundreds of people in the building just minutes before!!!!!