All the President’s Men, released in 1976, is a political thriller. The movie won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, and Best Supporting Actor (Jason Robards). Alan J. Pakula directed the film, William Goldman wrote the screenplay, and Walter Coblenz produced it. The film is based on the book, All the President’s Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.
Two journalists for The Washington Post think there’s something fishy about the Watergate break-in that occurred in June of 1972. Five burglars broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters. At first, the event didn’t garner much attention. Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) begins to question why the five men receive an attorney so quickly after their arrest. Also, one of the burglars tells the judge that he used to be employed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). I think this fact would get my attention as well. As it turns out, the other four have ties with the CIA. Woodward, with the aid of Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), begins to poke around. What the journalists discover is that the inconsequential break-in is anything but. In fact, the scandal reaches to the top of the American political system. However, those in power don’t want this to be discovered. Woodward and Bernstein refuse to be intimidated and don’t give up.
This movie, which I have seen before, is an amazing thriller. I wondered if I would find it dated at all and I’m happy to report that I didn’t Once I popped it into the DVD player I was glued to the TV. Even though I’m familiar with the scandal I found myself completely absorbed by this film. I squirmed in my seat as the story unfolded. I wish more political thrillers were like this one. There are complications, but it isn’t so complicated that when it was over I wasn’t scratching my head wondering what in the heck happened. This is an old-fashioned who done it film that doesn’t disappoint.
Not that this should factor into your decision, but my dog was not impressed by this movie at all. I was so engrossed in the film that I wouldn’t even throw his toy. He was bored beyond belief.
Up next on my AFI list is Forrest Gump, ranked at 76 on the top 100 AFI films.
50 Year Project 
Awww, poor Miles!! How could anyone ignore that face?? LOL
Lots of practice. And I think it makes him madder when I stop to take a photo but still won’t throw his toy.
You’re such a meanie!! LOL 🙂
Miles agrees completely! Of course, I would never get anything done if it was up to him.
Miles has the same look many of us have about the current election.
Oh goodness, that’s not good. The big day is almost here!
Less than a week to go, but I fear a legal battle in the aftermath.
Really. You think it will be that close.
Could be … and the campaigns could be quick to take something to the courts if it is in their best interest … which certain isn’t (IMO) the best interest of the majority of Americans.
I really hope it doesn’t come to that. I remember the last time and how long it took. And I’m sure it isn’t cheap either.
.. and each party is raising legal funds as we speak.
Just think if they used all the money they raised for their campaigns to pay for education or something, they would accomplish so much more.
Each campaign has spent over $1 billion … and another billion by Super PACS. … that’s a lot of food, shelter, education, research, health insurance, etc … just take a pick.
It astounds me each time we have a major election. And we are supposed to believe that they are looking out for our interests. All they care about is getting elected. What do they accomplish when they get into office?
To answer your last question, just follow the money.
I doubt that anything can be done but I simply don’t see how parts of NJ and New York will even be able to vote next Tuesday. This storm may have effectively disenfranchised several hundreds of thousands of people or more. Doesn’t matter at the Presidential level becasue if Obama doesn’t win both states the level of Republican voter fraud would be unprecedented, but at the Legislative and state level it could have serious implications.
I hadn’t even thought of that. It just doesn’t seem fair to the voters. Has there been talk of how they might address this problem? I know it’s pretty late in the game, but being able to vote is a right. It may turn the tables on the smaller elections, and not in a fair way. Can you imagine if Romney won NY?
I loved that movie. I’m glad that it didn’t seem dated
It’s a true classic Kate.
All the King’s Men has been playing on TV, along with other political films. I think it’s been on TCM cable. Haven’t yet been able to sit through the entire film. I’m not a sitter, so unless I’m in a theater I don’t see many movies. I will make an exception for old films, however. The ones from Hollywood’s Golden Era.
I agree that too much money has been spent on the current presidential election. Unfortunately with the Supreme Court’s ruling lifting the amount private donors can contribute…this looks to be the face of the future. Money that could support several third-world countries, or erase a fraction of the national debt…supporting one man. Sounds like a democratic dictatorship, doesn’t it? 😦
I haven’t seen All the King’s men yet. Maybe I should add it to my list. Wouldn’t it be nice if all the money went to worthy causes, instead of TV ads attacking each other and taking polls. The whole process makes me angry these days. Neither of the candidates actually speaks about the issues and won’t answer questions. You only get sound bites and statistics that don’t really mean anything. “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” Mark Twain.
Politics is not for the faint of heart, to be sure. Since you’re a great reader you might be interested in reading “The Obama Hate Machine” and “The Real Romney.” Both very eye-opening. Might not be your cup of tea, but if you’re ever into something totally different…try them.
I’ll keep an eye out for them. I’ve been meaning to read a book I purchased last year about the election of 1800. Jefferson and Adams, or their teams, knew how to sling mud, even back then. I’m fascinated by politics and all of the rhetoric. I’m more drawn to the 1800s, but I also study present day events.
“The Obama Hate Machine” spoke about the political mudslinging that went on in the early days of American politics. I’d not known much of what was said. Very interesting, often funny.
Beyond that, the book enlightened me to the Koch brothers, billionaire oil men who are fronting the Tea Party movement, the anti-climate change movement, and “own” a number of politicians in Congress who are attempting to eliminate EPA regulations against oil-drilling and the pollution it causes.
“The Real Romney” is a balanced look at the man. But it does solidify the fact that he is vacuous when it comes to principles…blowing whichever way the wind blows.
Again…great reads.
I know a little about the politics and mudslinging from the early days but would like to learn more. It’s odd for me to think of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams participating in these activities since during our younger years we are told how great they are. then I started to learn how petty they could be. It’s all so fascinating.
I have to admit I don’t know much about Romney. From reading his speeches, he does seem to change directions in his beliefs quite a bit. But I don’t think he’s the only politician that does so. It seems to be the trend more and more. Maybe it has always been this way and I didn’t pay close enough attention.
Very, very. My husband says I’ll be going through withdrawal when the election is done. Truthfully…I’ll enjoy the rest, especially from political commercials. 🙂
I haven’t missed the commercial one bit.
I re-watched this movie about a month ago and was happy to see it was just as good as I remembered. I know journalists who got into the profession because of this film.
I wish journalists still acted like this–ferreting out stories that matter. I know some still do, but too many go for the shock, Hollywood stories these days. Or so it seems.
They’re under a lot of pressure from editors who get it from the owners, sadly. Selling papers is really tough now.
I know. I used to work for a newspaper. I left when all of the layoffs kept happening. It was too depressing and just a matter of time.
I think I must have a look if I can get hold of the book(I don’t have a dvd player so watching the movie is out!) Miles is like Trompie – always wants attention when you are busy with “important” things! 🙂
Miles and Trompie have the most important jobs–they make us smile each day.
They sure do
I think I’m with Miles on this one – the title makes me want to join him on the cushion – I’m such a big baby. It’s probably something my husband would enjoy and therefore I would end up watching it be default and enjoying it and realising what a fool I am!
Lynn 😀
Trust me, Miles wouldn’t think you a fool. He’s on your side completely!
Great review, I really need to watch this one.
This is a great movie. I was glued to the screen watching it.
Poor Miles. Perhaps a Disney movie might be more interesting for him?
Miles loves loud movies he can bark at. Not sure if the neighbors appreciate that though.