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The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
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Overview
Release Date:
24 October 1962 (USA) moreTagline:
When you've seen it all, you'll swear there's never been anything like it! morePlot:
A former Korean War POW is brainwashed by Communists into becoming a political assassin. But another former prisoner may know how to save him. full summary | full synopsis (warning! may contain spoilers)Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 4 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(14 articles)
Movie Reviews: 'Southland Tales' (From Studio Briefing. 14 November 2007)
'Epic Movie' Bows at No. 1 (From Studio Briefing. 29 January 2007)
User Comments:
Timeless Thriller with a few glitches moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| Frank Sinatra | ... | Maj. Bennett Marco | |
| Laurence Harvey | ... | Raymond Shaw | |
| Janet Leigh | ... | Eugenie Rose Chaney | |
| Angela Lansbury | ... | Mrs. Iselin | |
| Henry Silva | ... | Chunjin | |
| James Gregory | ... | Sen. John Yerkes Iselin | |
| Leslie Parrish | ... | Jocelyn Jordan | |
| John McGiver | ... | Sen. Thomas Jordan | |
| Khigh Dhiegh | ... | Dr. Yen Lo | |
| James Edwards | ... | Cpl. Allen Melvin | |
| Douglas Henderson | ... | Col. Milt | |
| Albert Paulsen | ... | Zilkov | |
| Barry Kelley | ... | Secretary of Defense | |
| Lloyd Corrigan | ... | Holborn Gaines | |
| Madame Spivy | ... | Female Berezovo |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
126 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreCertification:
UK:A (1962) (cut) | Finland:K-16 (1989) (uncut) | West Germany:16 (f) | Finland:(Banned) (1964) (cut) | South Korea:15 | Finland:(Banned) (1964) (uncut) | Australia:M | Norway:15 (re-rating) | Norway:16 (original rating) | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:Approved (original rating) | USA:PG-13MOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
One scene was filmed at the Bar and Grill that Frank Sinatra's friend Jilly Rizzo owned in New York City. moreGoofs:
Anachronisms: Although almost of the film takes place in mid-'50s following the Korean War, several early-1960s model cars can be scene in various scenes around New York City. moreSoundtrack:
The Washington Post moreFAQ
Is this movie based on a novel?How closely does the movie follow the book?
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Message Boards
Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for The Manchurian Candidate (1962)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| title character | llanwydd |
| really stupid flaw | stevekantor |
| Cuban Missile Crisis | mstytz |
| Police Station? | gpdullius |
| Is Marco hypnotized as well? | egekhter |
| raymond's mother | llanwydd |
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There are parts of The Manchurian Candidate that are so perceptive and prophetic that it can be shocking. The satire of political campaigns and the influence of political wives feels very fresh. The film is also an excellent spy thriller and foretells the many political assassinations in the 60's. There are many fine performances in the film and Angela Lansbury plays one of the best film villains I have seen. Also, the directing, cinematography and editing are terrific.
My problems with the film mainly stem from its dialogue. The script repeats lines from the book the film was based upon. The result is that the actor's lines are very often stilted and not believable. Other less important problems involve Lawrence Harvey who while he gives a fine performance needed a dialogue coach. He begins the film with an American accent and slowly takes on a English one. The Janet Leigh character is also troubling. It seems she is a Soviet agent but this is not explained. Her character is too subtle and clashes with the very straight forward presentation of the rest of the film.
The flaws of The Manchurian Candidate would sink a lesser film. But when this movie hits its stride it is so powerful that it rises above its drawbacks and remains a classic spy thriller.