How I felt about it. Classic movie buffs are likely aware of the sad legend of John Barrymore, whose career and life was ended prematurely by alcoholism. Thus, a role in which he plays an eloquent man whose potential is ruined by liquor is not far from the mark. The irony was no doubt not lost on Barrymore, but it doesn't make the film any better.
RKO was able to find an appropriate vehicle for their fading star, and the two kids are above average actors for their age. If they are too precocious, it is the fault of the director. The problem here is the story is not credible. How can someone become the only registered voter in a precinct, when he lives in the middle of a city? And why would the local pols lavish such comic (the answer) publicity and promises on Vance, when he holds a grudge against them, and can only provide a single vote? The parade of conventional characters include Agnes Billow (Katharine Alexander), whose first day as a teacher in the class of Donald and Joan is remarkably coincidental with the election eve setting. Agnes is the stereotype of a respectable 1930s schoolteacher: virtuous, knowledgeable, well mannered, and devoted to the future and behavior of her pupils. And, she's just old enough to be a love match for Mr. Barrymore, although there's still the little problem of his alcoholism to be worked out.
One of the supporting characters is the adolescent son of ward boss Iron Hat McCarthy, Davy (Benny Bartlett). Bartlett provides a remarkable imitation of Mickey Rooney, who by 1939 had moved on to hunt bigger game, such as dating Judy Garland in Andy Hardy movies. In the present feature, William Demarest has a small role as a party boss who helps pull the strings of local elected officials.
John Barrymore is unlikely to win Father of the Year honors from his statement to Agnes, "They're thoroughly able to take care of themselves, madam. They're always here in the morning, when I return from work." No curfew or bedtime for these like-minded troublemakers.
How others will see it. Aside from curiousity at how bad off John Barrymore was in 1939 (answer: not too bad off yet), there isn't much reason to watch The Great Man Votes. Classic movie veterans are recommended instead to seek out a superior election day movie, Spencer Tracy's The Last Hurrah (1958).