This documentary-style political drama features Robert Redford as Bill Mc Kay, an idealistic attorney who reluctantly stands for Senate. On the understanding that neither his ex-governor father (Melvyn Douglas) nor the party machine will interfere, Mc Kay runs a refreshingly honest campaign that sees him closing in on the state's present encumbent (Don Porter). However, the temptation to sell out is ever present in the world of politics & Mc Kay finds his worthy stance being challenged from every corner. Director Michael Ritchie & Oscar-winning writer Jeremy Larner based their film on real-life experiences of political campaigning during the sixties.