The Best Man

Released Apr 6, 1964

1h 42m

Drama

List

100%

6 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Secretary of State William Russell (Henry Fonda) lives by his principles, but is haunted by a recent sexual indiscretion that threatens both his marriage and his career. Senator Joe Cantwell (Cliff Robertson) presents himself as the people's candidate, yet his determination to win at all costs is also his great flaw. These two frontrunners for their party's presidential nomination vie for the support of the outgoing president (Lee Tracy), and resort to mudslinging in a very public contest.

Read More

Read Less

Audience Member

A very well-paced, entertaining and tightly scripted film. The Best Man is a great analysis of the presidential primaries and the subterfuge that is entailed. Fonda and Robertson do a great job portraying two sets of politicians that very much mirror reality, especially today. Gore Vidal's quick-witted script is very well-written. The script seamlessly displays each character's feelings, their beliefs and, most importantly, their development. One of Schaffner's earlier films, but his direction regarding the film's tone and the actor's positions and mannerisms is very well-constructed. I don't understand why this film is not more well-known as it is a very cutting-edge depiction of American politics and should be more widely seen. The only problems I had with the film was the helicopter scene which I felt was out of place and also there being no comments on the rival party's potential candidates that the "best man" will have to face, as this is always discussed at every Democratic and Republican primary. Lee Tracy was nominated for playing the ex-President and does a great job in letting the audience understand each candidate's tactics as well as own beliefs. Out of the other nominees I have seen; he was better than O'Brien (although he was also good in Seven Days in May). Overall, a great political analysis of American politics and power and how even the most principled are tempted at reaching the main prize by doing whatever it takes.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Imagine a political campaign for president where a firebrand populist who will do whatever to win faces a deep-thinking, morally-determined opponent. That's the Sellout. It's an insightful look of the dirty behind-the-scenes political machinations that make politics the dirtiest of sports.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent cast, Fonda, Southern. Well paced and edited. Gore Vidal script is still timely and insightful.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

As extraordinary in its way as Twelve Angry Men or Inherit the Wind. Brilliantly scripted, beautifully acted and a pleasure to watch. They don't make them like this anymore.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

steve d

Entertaining enough but surprisingly forgettable .

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent in its realistic portrayal of the backstage maneuvering, disparate candidates obsessed with idealism on one side and quest for power at any cost on the other. Henry Fonda gives an excellent performance as the idealist as does Cliff Robertson as the shady, win power at any cost by any means. Ann Sothern is excellent in a supporting role pushing the women's vote.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Franklin J. Schaffner

Director

Henry Fonda

William Russell

Cliff Robertson

Joe Cantwell

Edie Adams

Mabel Cantwell

Margaret Leighton

Alice Russell

Shelley Berman

Sheldon Bascomb

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

96%

78%

Medium Cool

67%

85%

America, America

67%

36%

Kitten With a Whip

50%

52%

Of Human Bondage

50%

32%

Circus World

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Judith Crist

New York Herald Tribune

Cliff Robertson gives his best performance to date.

Aug 15, 2022

Full Review

Alison Gillmor

Winnipeg Free Press

Adapted by Gore Vidal from his own stage play, this look at a viciously contested presidential primary is full of cynicism, snark and spark.

Nov 10, 2020

Full Review

Richard Oulahan

LIFE

"There is nothing like a good, dirty, low-down political fight to bring the roses to your cheeks." says the film's ex-President. As an excellent facsimile of the real thing... The Best Man wins.

Oct 16, 2019

Full Review

Dwight MacDonald

Esquire Magazine

It is "good theatre," no more but also no less. The director, Franklin Schaffner, has given it a lot of razzmatazz, which was probably the way to do it.

Aug 13, 2019

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

It's hard to be educational while being poignant, but this film does both easily.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 15, 2011

Full Review

Pablo Villaça

Cinema em Cena

Mostrando como os bastidores da política podem ser sujos, o filme conta com ótimas atuações de Fonda, Robertson e Tracy (indicado ao Oscar) e, escrito por Gore Vidal, traz diálogos afiados e inteligentes.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 25, 2003

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

Secretary of State William Russell (Henry Fonda) lives by his principles, but is haunted by a recent sexual indiscretion that threatens both his marriage and his career. Senator Joe Cantwell (Cliff Robertson) presents himself as the people's candidate, yet his determination to win at all costs is also his great flaw. These two frontrunners for their party's presidential nomination vie for the support of the outgoing president (Lee Tracy), and resort to mudslinging in a very public contest.

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Screenwriter: Gore Vidal
Production Co: Millar/Turman Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 6, 1964, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2016
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Dolby
Aspect Ratio: 35mm