The Candidate (1972)

My Review

“The Candidate” is a political drama which stars Robert Redford as a leftist attorney who is recruited to run against a popular Republican incumbent U. S. Senator. Director Michael Ritchie (“Downhill Racer” 1969) tightly directed this film which keeps viewers engaged and enthralled to the very end of the 109 minute running time. He was helped out by the excellent screenplay by Jeremy Larner.

The cast is head by Redford, a perfect fit as the candidate, in what is probably one of the best roles of his long career. Co-stars include Peter Boyle as his campaign manager, Melvyn Douglas as his father, Don Porter as his opponent, Karen Carlson as his wife, Kenneth Tobey, Jenny Sullivan, Michael Lerner, and Broderick Crawford as a television commercial narrator. Cameo appearances include George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, Howard K. Smith, Alan Cranston, John V. Tunney, Jesse Unruh, Bill Stout, Sam Yorty, and Natalie Wood, all appearing as themselves.

The watchable movie “The Candidate” was modestly successful at the box office for Warner Bros. Pictures. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, winning one for Best Original Screenplay. The non-winner was for Best Sound.