The Best Man Poster

The Best Man 1964

★ 7.241 votes102 min📅 1964-04-05

"Does The Best Man Always Get To The White House?"

Franklin J. Schaffner's gripping political drama *The Best Man (1964)* dives deep into the cutthroat world of presidential nominations, where ambition clashes with morality.

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner

Cast

Henry Fonda
Henry Fonda
William Russell
Cliff Robertson
Cliff Robertson
Joe Cantwell
Edie Adams
Edie Adams
Mabel Cantwell
Margaret Leighton
Margaret Leighton
Alice Russell
Shelley Berman
Shelley Berman
Sheldon Bascomb
Lee Tracy
Lee Tracy
President Art Hockstader
Ann Sothern
Ann Sothern
Sue Ellen Gamadge
Gene Raymond
Gene Raymond
Don Cantwell
Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy
Dick Jensen
Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Man (1964) about?

The film follows five presidential hopefuls in a deadlocked party nomination, where no candidate secures a majority on the first ballot. As the frontrunners weigh their ambitions against their principles, alliances shift and tensions rise in this riveting tale of political maneuvering.

Who directed The Best Man?

Franklin J. Schaffner, known for his sharp character studies and politically charged films, directed *The Best Man*.

Who stars in The Best Man?

The ensemble cast features legends like Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Edie Adams, Margaret Leighton, and Shelley Berman.

Is The Best Man (1964) worth watching?

While the IMDb rating is unrated, this drama offers a fascinating, dialogue-driven story that resonates with themes of power and ethics. Fans of political films and classic performances will find much to appreciate in its tense, thought-provoking narrative.

How long is The Best Man?

The runtime for *The Best Man* is 102 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Best Man (1964) — A Political Drama of Ambition, Morality, and Power

Franklin J. Schaffner's gripping political drama *The Best Man (1964)* dives deep into the cutthroat world of presidential nominations, where ambition clashes with morality. Set against the backdrop of a party in chaos, five candidates vie for the top spot as the first ballot fails to produce a clear winner, forcing power plays and moral dilemmas. With sharp dialogue and high stakes, the film explores the personal sacrifices behind political glory, capturing the tension of a divided America. Starring Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, and Edie Adams, this drama balances cynicism with idealism, making it a timeless reflection on leadership and integrity.

The atmosphere crackles with urgency as frontrunners grapple with their ideals—does the best man truly deserve the White House, or is it merely a game of strategy and compromise?