The Best Man
Seen it?1964 | 102 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), 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 loves a strong drama. If you loved All the King's Men or Milk, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
The other party is in disarray. Five men vie for the party nomination for president. No one has a majority as the first ballot closes and the front-runners begin to decide how badly they want the job.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 17K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
All the King's Men
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed political drama that fewer people know today.
Milk Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed political drama.
The Ides of March Saturday SpecialAnother political drama, and a Saturday Special.
All the Way Saturday SpecialAnother political drama that's easy to miss.
Amadeus Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed musical drama.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
- Henry FondaWilliam Russell
- Cliff RobertsonJoe Cantwell
- Edie AdamsMabel Cantwell
- Margaret LeightonAlice Russell
- Shelley BermanSheldon Bascomb
- Lee TracyPresident Art Hockstader
- Ann SothernSue Ellen Gamadge
- Gene RaymondDon Cantwell
- Kevin McCarthyDick Jensen
- Mahalia JacksonMahalia Jackson