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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Melvyn Douglas Films
- Michael Ritchie Films
- Peter Boyle Films
- Political Corruption
- Robert Redford Films
Review:
Director Michael Ritchie’s follow-up to Downhill Racer (1969) and Prime Cut (1972) was this incisive, documentary-style political satire based on an Oscar-winning original screenplay by Jeremy Larner (who once wrote speeches for 1968 presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy). Redford is perfectly cast as a well-meaning liberal who seems to be genuinely questioning the entire process happening around him as he quickly climbs the polls, and whose wife (Karen Carlson) is almost eerily ready to jump right into a life of politics with him.
Bearded Boyle is menacing as a campaign manager who promises Redford he’s guaranteed to lose, yet seems to be doing everything he can to push him forward:
… while Douglas is convincing as an aging politician who’s lost none of his savvy or clout:
… and Gidget’s dad — er, Don Porter — is note-perfect as the incumbent Redford is running against.
Watch for a cameo by Natalie Wood, Redford’s real-life friend and former co-star from Inside Daisy Clover and This Property is Condemned.
Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:
- Robert Redford as Bill McKay
- Peter Boyle as Marvin Lucas
- Fine cinematography and production design
Must See?
Yes, as a powerful political satire. Listed as a Personal Recommendation in the back of Peary’s book.
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