The film follows McKay (Robert Redford), a lawyer who embodies the familiar image of an activist representing people in California. He's unexpectedly asked to challenge Senator Crocker (Don Porter), a Republican, in what seems like a formality for the Democratic party. McKay only consents to running if his campaign manager, Marvin (Peter Boyle), allows him considerable freedom to speak and act as he chooses during th…

This movie offers a fascinating glimpse into what things are like within the highest levels of government. It's a really good illustration of how fiction can mirror reality.

The acting is strong, and Redford gives a noteworthy performance. The narrative illustrates the journey of someone moving from being an activist toward becoming the politician they initially disliked, revealing all the compromises made on the path to election. Still, the plot feels somewhat hurried, and the captivating quality isn't as apparent as it might have been portrayed.