If you would bet that it was impossible to make a thrilling drama out of an American presidential nomination campaign, this biting film would see you losing your money. As the contrasting candidates, Henry Fonda and Cliff Robertson both slip quickly into their characters, and there's a wealth of supporting talent, notably Kevin McCarthy as Fonda's agent, veteran Lee Tracy in an acid performance as the retiring president, and humorist Shelley Berman in a telling little role. The film is excellently lit by cameraman Haskell Wexler, and director Franklin Shaffner keeps a tight grip on the flow of the action, right up to one of the most surprising surprise endings you are likely to encounter. Outstanding.


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