A Reel Retro Review: THE CANDIDATE (1972)

Reel Speak’s Retro Reviews will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week, with the intention of introducing some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. 

 

The political arena has always provided excellent settings for Hollywood, ranging from comedy, drama, scandals, crooked politicians and battles over ideals and morals. Some of the best stories come from watching an every-day-man enter that dog-eat-dog world of politics, with one prime example being Michael Ritchie’s 1972 comedy/drama THE CANDIDATE. 

 

Marvin Lucas (Peter Boyle), an election specialist, recruits attorney Bill McKay (Robert Redford), to runs as a Democratic candidate against the popular incumbent Republican Senator Crocker Jarmon (Don Porter). 

 

Directed by Michael Ritchie from a script by former speechwriter Jeremy Larner, THE CANDIDATE follows McKay in his bewildering first steps into American politics. His introduction to that world is shaky right away; McKay is not expected to win, and only has to put in a good showing so as not to embarrass the Democrats. Lucas is playing the long game here, and McKay knows it…but he goes along with it for the sake of doing some good. 

 

Dropping an average joe into politics can make for some good drama and funny moments. While THE CANDIDATE does have those, it differs from the standard template because McKay is well-equipped to hold the office. He works as a small-town lawyer dedicated to helping workers and families, and he sees the Senate seat as a chance to continue his work on a larger scale. The hitch is, while McKay may be perfect for the job, he is ill-equipped to handle the rigorous campaign trail. It’s a battle of McKay’s goals vs. the rough path he has to take to get there. 

 

Michael Ritchie keeps the pacing tight and the atmosphere light. The laughs are sparse, but when they do come, they work well. The script is sharp and reflects the writer’s first-hand knowledge of the campaign trail. Ritchie gets excellent performances from his entire cast; Redford at his usual brilliant self and Boyle in a rare serious role.

 

The campaign trail for McKay gets complicated as his numbers grow, and he suddenly finds himself in a position to actually win the darn thing. THE CANDIDATE ends on a high note, and it would have been interesting to see what McKay would have done next. In today’s world where politics is so angry, this is a fine look at how fun it can be. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it. 

 

*

 

Reel Facts: Screenwriter Jeremy Larner would win an Oscar for Best Writing. He had previously worked as a speechwriter for Senator Eugene J. McCarthy. Director Michael Ritchie would go on to direct THE BAD NEWS BEARS (1976), and Chevy Chase’s FLETCH movies. Actress Natalie Wood makes a cameo appearance as herself.