Question 1

Which real-life politicians were the characters William Russell and Joe Cantwell based on?

Accepted Answer

Screenwriter Gore Vidal admitted that William Russell was meant to remind people of Adlai Stevenson and Joe Cantwell was based on Richard Nixon.

Question 2

Why was Ronald Reagan reportedly rejected for a role in this film?

Accepted Answer

Legend suggests Reagan was rejected because a studio executive didn't think he had 'that presidential look'. Gore Vidal said Reagan was considered for the Broadway role of Joe Cantwell in 1960.

Question 3

Which actor reprised his Broadway role in the film and was nominated for an Oscar?

Accepted Answer

Lee Tracy reprised his Broadway role as former President Art Hockstader, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award and later an Academy Award.

Question 4

What notable historical event later occurred at one of the film's filming locations?

Accepted Answer

One filming location was the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, where Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968.

Question 5

Which festivals or awards recognized The Best Man?

Accepted Answer

The film was featured at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 1964 and won awards at the Golden Globes (USA) and Writers Guild of America in 1965.

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The Best Man

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