The Candidate 1972
"Bill McKay has a lot going for him...but nothing compared to what's coming."
In Michael Ritchie's sharp political satire The Candidate (1972), Robert Redford stars as Bill McKay, an idealistic California lawyer whose long-shot Senate campaign unexpectedly gains traction.
Director: Michael Ritchie
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Candidate (1972) about?
The film follows Bill McKay, a young lawyer who enters a long-shot U.S. Senate race simply to shake things up. As his campaign gains unexpected momentum, he must navigate the pressures of political ambition and the compromises it demands.
Who directed The Candidate?
Michael Ritchie directed The Candidate, a filmmaker known for his incisive portrayals of American institutions and societal issues.
Who stars in The Candidate?
Robert Redford headlines the cast as Bill McKay, joined by Melvyn Douglas, Peter Boyle, Don Porter, and Allen Garfield.
Is The Candidate (1972) worth watching?
With its sharp script and Redford's compelling performance, The Candidate offers a witty yet poignant look at politics that still resonates today. Fans of character-driven dramas and political satire will find it a rewarding watch.
How long is The Candidate?
The Candidate runs for 110 minutes, making it a concise yet impactful feature.
🎥 Trailer
About The Candidate (1972) — Robert Redford's Political Comedy-Drama Explored
In Michael Ritchie's sharp political satire The Candidate (1972), Robert Redford stars as Bill McKay, an idealistic California lawyer whose long-shot Senate campaign unexpectedly gains traction. With a no-nonsense attitude and a rebellious streak, McKay challenges the political establishment, only to find his values tested as the race heats up. Blending dry humor with biting social commentary, the film captures the moral compromises of modern politics through McKay's journey from outsider to front-runner.
The chemistry between Redford and Melvyn Douglas—playing his father, a former governor—adds depth to the drama, while Peter Boyle delivers a standout performance as a campaign strategist whose cynicism mirrors the system itself. Combining comedy and drama, The Candidate (1972) remains a timeless exploration of ambition, integrity, and the cost of power, all wrapped in the sun-drenched politics of 1970s America.