The Best Man
“Does The Best Man Always Get To The White House?”
William Russell (Henry Fonda) is a former Secretary of State who goes into his party's national convention as a front-runner, one of five men chasing the presidential nomination. Across from him is Joe Cantwell (Cliff Robertson), who wants the job just as badly. Franklin J. Schaffner, working from Gore Vidal's screenplay, keeps the camera in the crowded hotel rooms while the first ballot closes with no majority.
Mahalia Jacksonas Mahalia Jackson
John Henry Faulkas Gov. T.T. Claypoole
George Kirgoas Speechwriter
H.E. Westas Sen. Lazarus
Michael MacDonaldas Zealot
William R. Ebersolas Gov. John Merwin
Bill Stoutas Bill Stout