Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The Candidate

The Candidate

Seen it?

1972 | 110 min | Comedy, Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Game Change or Milk, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Bill McKay is a candidate for the U.S. Senate from California. He has no hope of winning, so he is willing to tweak the establishment.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    88% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Writing, Original Screenplay. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 86K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Michael Ritchie

  • Robert RedfordBill McKay
  • Peter BoyleMarvin Lucas
  • Melvyn DouglasJohn J. McKay
  • Don PorterSenator Crocker Jarmon
  • Allen GarfieldKlein
  • Karen CarlsonNancy McKay
  • Quinn K. RedekerRick Jenkin
  • Morgan UptonWally Henderson
  • Michael LernerPaul Corliss
  • Kenneth TobeyFloyd J. Starkey