Nicholsworth1946

I saw this film in a theater about the time the Watergate investigation was getting started and Nixon's popularity was beginning to decline. The most memorable line was when Cromwell announces: "I'll see to it this nation is properly governed if I have to do it myself!" The theater audience roared with laughter. It was a good time for a film about the arrogance of power. It was also a time when the Vietnam war was winding down, so the scenes depicting Cromwell's loss of idealism and growing insensitivity to carnage were quite timely as well. Cromwell was seen as a metaphor for Nixon, and the English Civil War as a metaphor for Vietnam.

Good overall, but I thought the bathroom scene with 3 ex-lovers discussing their flings in the presence of the candidate's wife was gratuitously tacky and tasteless. Cut that scene, and this would get several more stars. The scene where the candidate waits to the end of his Acceptance Speech to reveal his choice of running mate is unrealistic, but dramatically effective. Tom Selleck is a commanding presence. Robert Culp is cast to type as the somewhat sleazy,untrustworthy chap. Faye Dunaway plays the role of the drunken,neglected wife convincingly. Laura Linney was well cast - as was the film as a whole. Selleck has been good in everything he has been in.

I THINK this is the movie I recall seeing, but cannot be sure, since there is no summary to confirm it. However, since no other Title listed appears reasonably close to the subject, I will assume this is the film in which Justine Bateman earned my respect as a serious actress. I have watched this actress in various movies and TV shows since her days on Family Ties. As Columbus residents, we watched that series regularly. We enjoyed Justine's character, but I did not appreciate how much she had matured as a performer until seeing this film about a wife whose amnesia blocks her memory of a prior act of violence.I truly did not know she was capable of such a strong performance. It was a compelling story that maintained suspense to the end. I have no idea why it only won 4.5 stars, as it is far better than most TV movie fare.