Political movies of the past 25 years usually involve juxtaposed actual news footage, or far fetched conspiracies replete with multiple murders, action heroes and Femme Fatales. The "Best Man" is from a simpler (better?) time, and challenges a viewer to ask "what would I do?" in the situation confronting Henry Fonda's presidential candidate Bill Russell.Oh sure, political conventions probably never actually played out in the manner portrayed, but who cares? The platform for a delightfully arrogant and power hungry Cliff Robertson is a hoot, and, as always, Henry Fonda just flat out looks like a President.Fans of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" will love the quirky Shelly Berman character, and those of us old enough to remember the Muriel Cigar commercials can recall what a babe Edie Adams was. Catching it on TCM is wonderful, as the absence of commercial interruption enhances the story line and pacing. Enjoy it.

This movie was absolutely fabulous. I didn't think I would fall for a political movie but this one makes an exception. Full of mystique, political scandal, temptation, rumors, and did I mention great acting. Which candidate will stoop so low to win the election? I saw this movie once, before tonight and was utterly in awe (both times). Henry Fonda at his best. It's a classic black and white film with great direction as well. They don't make these kind of quality films anymore and, to me, it stands the test of time. Those convention days are not gone, they are still alive with McCain and Obama. The only other political movie I thought was noteworthy was The Manchurian Candidate starring Angela Landsbury.

The funniest thing here is reading the contorted, puzzled attempt to assert that Robertson's character is based on Nixon, but why would "Nixon" be running for the Democratic nomination against "Adlai Stevenson." The reason is that Robertson's character was based on John F. Kennedy (not Nixon) of that close family friend of the Kennedys, Sen. Joe McCarthy.Now, doesn't it make more sense? Jack Kennedy, in the late 1950s, still parroting the line of his old man (who was a Hitler fan), was the coldest warrior ever to seek the White House.Of course, getting his brains blown out has martyred & deified him, but he was once a tough-titty anti-commie.So, if you do a little research, you can find sources that say Joe Cantwell = Jack Kennedy. It's not a perfect match, Just as William Russell is a womanizer where Adlai Stevenson was dogged by degenerate rumors, but JFK was said to be Vidal's inspiration for Cantwell.

"The Best Man" shows only A PART of the shenanigans that politicians use to win, at all costs. I can't, at this minute, remember the title of the film based-on Gov Huey P. Long of Louisiana; I do, because I'm from that part of the country and knew some of the Long family."Wm. Russell" (Henry Fonda) is a rarity, the unknown character of honest men involved in government since Jimmy Carter. If you know anything about his administration, you'll remember he was powerless because he would not deal with crooked politicians. "Joe Cantwell" (Cliff Robertson) is the epitome of corruption and scandal-mongering. Kevin McCartney's role as the "whistle-blower" who's attempting to provide evidence that "Cantwell" was involved with soldiers being discharged for homosexual activity, is right-on. You just know that "Cantwell" was guilty, too; "Mabel Cantwell's" (Edie Adams) reaction to the possibility the situation was about to be exposed should tell the story. Lee Tracy as former President Art Hockstader was brilliantly played, a wily ole fox. That "Russells" refused to get involved with mud-slinging (and throwing his influence behind one of the 2nd-tier candidates) is a testament of how desperate this country is for a moral government, and seems unable to achieve it. FDR knew how to get results, but his drawing this country from the dregs of The Depression and leading the USA to become the greatest country yet, is a testament to how beloved he was. I recall seeing him in an open jeep (in a parade), with no security-guards....There must be politicians like "Russell," but they don't seem to be able to become known to the voters. All the hype on the current (2007) presidential campaign is a prime example. "The Best Man" was heart-warming. I enjoyed every role, especially Ann Sothern and Mahalia Jackson. Let's have more of these enlightening films. Everyone should see it.