Beau James

In 1925, New York's governor Al Smith persuades state senator James J. 'Jimmy' Walker to run for mayor, launching his political ascent. The strain in his marriage is acknowledged as a backdrop to his ambition, but Allie agrees to support his bid. This marks the start of a transformation from private life to public power.

With guidance from his mentor Chris Nolan, Walker runs a campaign that leads to a landslide mayoral victory. The win cements his public image and consolidates his political power. Allie starts to occupy the role of supporter rather than partner in a traditional sense.

Walker learns that Allie is willing to go along with his political aims without renewing their marriage. She accepts the role of New York's First Lady and the public spotlight that comes with it. The couple maintains a complex personal distance while sharing public duties.

A drunken Walker is found on a park bench by Betty Compton, who takes him home. Upon learning he is the mayor, she scolds his behavior, and a mutual attraction begins to form. He uses his political connections to help her find a job, blurring personal and professional lines.

Graft and favors become focal points as Walker faces a reelection bid in 1929. Fiorello LaGuardia publicly mocks the administration and questions its integrity, amplifying scrutiny of Walker's governance. The campaign deepens the divide between public image and private conduct.

The stock market crash plunges Walker into bankruptcy, while Betty grows despondent over his inability or unwillingness to secure a divorce from Allie. Personal and financial pressures collide, threatening both his career and his relationship with Betty.

Walker remains popular enough to win reelection, but internal party tensions rise when he tries to bring Betty to his victory party against his colleagues' wishes. The personal scandal begins to threaten his public legitimacy.

Tired of living in secrecy, Betty attempts suicide at a public event. Chris promptly moves her out of the country, and she impulsively marries a man who had been courting her. The personal tragedy marks a turning point in both their lives.

The charges against Walker lead fellow Democrats to fear he could hurt Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 presidential bid. He publicly admits to accepting bribes and favors, arguing that such practices are part of politics and that many successful leaders engage similarly.

Walker's popularity continues to erode as spectators boo him at a Yankee Stadium baseball game for the first time in his career. The crowd's reaction becomes a powerful symbol of his falling influence and legitimacy.

Facing mounting pressure, Walker offers his resignation as mayor in a heartfelt speech from the stadium field. He decides to leave New York, signaling an end to his political reign in the city.

Betty completes a swift divorce and intends to join Walker in exile, having married a man who had pursued her. The political saga closes with personal lives in flux and an uncertain future shared between them.