The Inspector General

The Inspector General

Year: 1949

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Koster

RomanceComedyMusicCrude humor and satireSong and dance

An illiterate stooge in a traveling medicine show drifts into a town and is arrested for vagrancy. Corrupt town officials pocketing tax money mistake him for the inspector general and fear he will expose their scheme. They launch a series of bungling attempts to kill him, sending the whole community spiraling into chaotic turmoil.

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Timeline & Setting – The Inspector General (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Inspector General (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Napoleonic era

The events are set in a fictional Eastern European town during the Napoleonic era, a period when centralized power and corruption were common motifs in governance. Bribes, tax funds and public works become tools for manipulation. The arrival of an Inspector General in disguise heightens the sense of an imminent reckoning.

Location

Brodny

Brodny is a small, claustrophobic town ruled by a corrupt mayor and his unscrupulous circle. The story unfolds within its crowded streets, church, and barn, where bribery and petty schemes shape everyday life. The town serves as a backdrop for a sharp satirical look at bureaucratic greed and public deception.

🏘️ Small town 🗺️ Satirical setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:30

Main Characters – The Inspector General (1949)

Meet the key characters of The Inspector General (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Georgi (Danny Kaye)

A naive yet kind-hearted member of a traveling troupe who stumbles into Brodny. He is driven by a strong sense of justice and quickly grows into someone capable of resisting corruption, even when misidentified as the Inspector General. His honesty catalyzes change in the town and rekindles hope among the villagers.

🎭 naive ❤️ loyal 🕊️ moral 🧭 hopeful

Leza (Barbara Bates)

The mayor’s kitchen maid who becomes Georgi’s ally and confidante. She embodies quiet resilience, supporting Georgi’s efforts and finding love in unlikely circumstances. Her loyalties guide some of the town’s moral choices.

💘 romantic 🤝 loyal 🕊️ supportive

The Mayor (Gene Lockhart)

The corrupt leader of Brodny, using kin and cronies to manipulate the town’s finances and public order. He’s constantly worried about exposure and reliant on bribery to maintain power. His schemes propel the central conflict of the story.

💼 corrupt 🧭 power-hungry

Yakov (Walter Slezak)

The Deputy or adviser who dupes Georgi into bribery and manipulates the mayor’s schemes. He is cunning and willing to cut deals, ultimately serving his own interests until confronted by Georgi and the Inspector General.

🧭 cunning 🗝️ manipulative

Inspector General (Rhys Williams)

An emissary sent by Napoleon to root out corruption, arriving in disguise and becoming a test for the town’s leadership. He recognizes Georgi’s honesty and plays a decisive role in appointing the rightful leaders.

🕵️ authority 🛡️ justice

Maria (Elsa Lanchester)

The mayor’s wife who becomes entangled in the town’s power games. Her fate intertwines with Georgi’s and adds a human dimension to the political intrigue.

💔 romance 🕊️ intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:30

Major Themes – The Inspector General (1949)

Explore the central themes of The Inspector General (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Integrity

Georgi’s stubborn honesty clashes with the town’s entrenched corruption. His decisions reveal that true leadership comes from doing what is right, even when it costs him. The plot tracks his moral growth as he navigates danger and deceit to safeguard the town.

🎭 Disguise & Deception

Disguises and mistaken identities drive much of the comedy and tension. The townsfolk mistake Georgi for the inspector, while Yakov and others manipulate appearances to secure bribes and protect themselves. The line between truth and performance blurs throughout the story.

🪙 Corruption & Bribery

A web of bribes funds the mayor’s scheme and a church organ transfer illustrates how power corrupts public goods. The Mayor and his relatives use money and influence to control outcomes, prompting a conflict between public interest and private gain. The Inspector General’s arrival tests whether money can cover wrongdoing.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:30

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The Inspector General Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Inspector General, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Inspector General Summary

The Inspector General Timeline

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The Inspector General Timeline

More About The Inspector General

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