Politics on the Big Screen

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: 1939

Jimmy Stewart, left, portrays an idealistic senator who finds corruption in Congress.

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State of the Union: 1948

A power-hungry newspaper publisher picks an airplane manufacturer to become a presidential candidate.

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All the King’s Men: 1949

An adaptation of Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film depicts the rise and fall of a politician.

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The Manchurian Candidate: 1962

This political thriller includes a remarkable political convention scene at Madison Square Garden.

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The Candidate: 1972

Robert Redford is an idealistic candidate who runs for the Senate vowing honesty in his campaign.

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All the President’s Men: 1976

Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman are Washington Post reporters who uncover the Watergate scandal.

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Nixon: 1995

The director Oliver Stone unravels President Nixon’s life, including his Quaker roots and Watergate.

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The American President: 1995

Michael Douglas portrays a widower president who has an affair with a lobbyist.

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Bulworth: 1998

In this satire, Warren Beatty, below, plays a disheartened senator who delivers scathing commentaries on politics.

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Primary Colors: 1998

John Travolta plays a married candidate who wins the nomination despite allegations of womanizing. *

Sources: Republican National Committee; Associated Press