Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story 1971
Woody Allen's *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story* (1971) is a sharp, satirical short film that dives into the political chaos of Nixon's era, blending dark humor with biting commentary on power and corruption.
Director: Woody Allen
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story* (1971) about?
This satirical short imagines a Nixon aide, Dr. Harvey Wallinger, who claws his way to the top of the administration, wielding influence like a shadow president. The film uses dark humor to skewer the political climate of the early 1970s, blending absurdity with a dash of real-life paranoia.
Who directed *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story*?
Woody Allen directed this elusive short film, marking one of his early forays into political satire.
Who stars in *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story*?
Woody Allen leads the cast as Dr. Harvey Wallinger, with Diane Keaton, Louise Lasser, Reed Hadley, and Conrad Bain rounding out the ensemble.
Is *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story* (1971) worth watching?
While obscure, this 25-minute satire offers a fascinating glimpse into Woody Allen's early style and the political tensions of its time. Its unreleased status and cult following make it a curiosity worth tracking down for Allen enthusiasts and satire fans.
How long is *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story*?
The short film runs for 25 minutes.
About Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story (1971) — Woody Allen's Lost Nixon-Era Satire
Woody Allen's *Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story* (1971) is a sharp, satirical short film that dives into the political chaos of Nixon's era, blending dark humor with biting commentary on power and corruption. Directed by Allen himself, the mockumentary-style comedy follows Dr. Harvey Wallinger, a fictitious Nixon aide who manipulates his way to the heart of presidential influence, exposing the absurdity of political machinations. With a runtime of just 25 minutes, this unreleased TV special crackles with the tension of a political thriller—even as it delivers laughs. The film's atmosphere drips with 1970s paranoia, capturing the disillusionment of a nation grappling with Watergate-era scandals long before the full story unfolded.
Starring Allen in a rare leading role, the cast also includes Diane Keaton and Louise Lasser in supporting turns, with Reed Hadley and Conrad Bain adding gravitas to the satire. Originally slated for PBS in 1972 but pulled last-minute due to fears over government backlash, *Men of Crisis* became a cult object, circulating through bootlegs and private collections. Today, it remains a fascinating footnote in Allen's filmography—a time capsule of political unrest, cloaked in the guise of low-stakes comedy. Though never officially aired, its themes feel eerily prescient, making it a must-see for fans of early Allen or Cold War-era satire.