The Candidate (1972): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch
The Candidate is a 1972 comedy drama directed by Michael Ritchie, starring Robert Redford, Melvyn Douglas and Michael Lerner. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes. It won 1 Oscar, including Writing (Story and Screenplay—based on factual material or material not previously published or produced). Critics gave it 66 on Metacritic. Stream it on Tubi TV and YouTube, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 50m (110 min)
- Director
- Michael Ritchie
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Warner Bros.
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Candidate About?
The premise of The Candidate without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
To land his dream job, a desperate candidate faces an unconventional and daunting final interview challenge that pushes him to his limits.
The Candidate Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- father son relationship
- political rally
- election
- democratic party
- american politics
- senate election
- election campaign
- political satire
- politics
- political campaign
- political debate
- televised debate
+38 more Show fewer
- underdog
- adultery
- dysfunctional marriage
- husband wife relationship
- extramarital affair
- cynicism
- teamwork
- on the campaign trail
- political candidate
- political humor
- idealist
- senator
- banquet
- autograph
- man wears eyeglasses
- woman wears eyeglasses
- cockpit
- airplane
- african american
- punched in the face
- elevator
- helicopter
- insult
- men's bathroom
- u.s. congressional candidate
- california politics
- state politics
- pet dog
- rabbit hunting
- ticker tape parade
- primary election campaign
- environmental pollution
- poverty
- unemployment
- log cabin
- bloodhound
- commercialization
- marital infidelity
Where to Watch The Candidate
Stream it on Tubi TV and YouTube, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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The Candidate Cast
Robert Redford leads the cast, with Melvyn Douglas and Michael Lerner. Directed by Michael Ritchie; 10 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Michael Ritchie
Also Starring in The Candidate
· 6 moreThe Candidate Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Candidate 66 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 66 Metascore
User score 6.9
See on Metacritic
The Candidate Plot Summary
What happens in The Candidate from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Marvin Lucas, a seasoned political consultant, faces a challenging assignment: he must find a Democratic challenger to oppose three-term California Senator Crocker Jarmon in a race that looks decided from the start. With no big-name Democrat stepping forward, Lucas identifies Bill McKay, the idealistic, handsome, and charismatic son of the popular former California governor. Bill McKay, the public interest lawyer with a rising profile, becomes the candidate Lucas hopes can carry a meaningful message to voters.
Full summary
The whole story of The Candidate, scene by scene
The Candidate Awards & Nominations
The Candidate won 1 Oscar, including Writing (Story and Screenplay—based on factual material or material not previously published or produced).
1 win2 nominations1 ceremony
-
Oscars 1973 1 win · 2 nominations- Won Writing (Story and Screenplay—based on factual material or material not previously published or produced)
- Nominated Sound
The Candidate Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 2 trailers and 2 featurettes.
- Trailer Original Theatrical Trailer
- Featurette 'The Candidate' | Critics' Picks | The New York Times
- Featurette The Godfather and The Candidate Win Writing Awards: 1973 Oscars
How Well Do You Know The Candidate?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
Which actor portrays the idealistic candidate Bill McKay?
Cars in The Candidate
52 cars on screen, including the 1972 Ford LTD and the 1972 Ford LTD Convertible.
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1972 Ford LTD Main role -
1972 Ford LTD Convertible Important role -
1969 Ford Club Wagon Minor role -
1971 Ford Custom 500 Minor role
The Candidate Also Known As
15 alternative titles, including “El candidato” and “Votez McKay”.
- Also known as
-
- El candidato
- Votez McKay
- O Candidato
- Bill McKay - Der Kandidat
- Il candidato
- A jelölt
- Ο Υποψήφιος
- Stem på McKay
- Кандидатът
- Кандидат
- Aday
- 후보자
+3 more Show fewer
- El candidat
- Bill McKay - utmanaren
- 候选人
Seen The Candidate?
Movies Like The Candidate
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Candidate, Election and The Campaign.
The Candidate FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Candidate, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Candidate?
The Candidate runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).
When was The Candidate released?
The Candidate was released on June 29, 1972.
Who directed The Candidate?
The Candidate was directed by Michael Ritchie.
More films by Michael Ritchie Who is in the cast of The Candidate?
The Candidate stars Robert Redford, Melvyn Douglas and Michael Lerner, among 10 credited actors.
Where can I watch The Candidate?
In the US, The Candidate is streaming on Tubi TV and YouTube and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How is The Candidate rated?
The Candidate has 66 on Metacritic.
What awards did The Candidate win?
The Candidate won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Writing (Story and Screenplay—based on factual material or material not previously published or produced) at the Oscars 1973.
Does The Candidate have a post-credit scene?
No. The Candidate has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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