Although it sensationalises Washington politics, Otto Preminger's democracy vs corruption drama, based on the best-seller by Allen Drury, boasts outstanding performances that stick in the mind. Henry Fonda is the all-powerful Secretary of State whose appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate. Walter Pidgeon and his minions try to push the matter through on the nod, but haven't figured on the dabbling of patriotic old-timer Charles Laughton and others who won't bow to the party's whim. Laughton is in fine scene-stealing form and manages as usual to outshine his co-stars in what was his last film.

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