The Seduction Of Joe Tynan (1979)

A liberal and married Democratic Senator (Alan Alda, who also wrote the screenplay) from New York is faced with blocking the nomination of a supreme court justice (Maurice Copeland) despite pressure from a senior Senator (Melvyn Douglas) not to do so. Matters are further complicated when he begins an affair with a political activist (Meryl Streep) although still in love with his wife (Barbara Harris). Directed by Jerry Schatzberg, I wish Alda had let someone else play the title role. His screenplay is good but as an actor, Alda just isn't very interesting. So our focus goes toward the two women, Streep and Harris, who are engaging actresses and give solid performances. In Harris's case, more than solid, she's marvelous. I'm not sure how Alda wants us to take the character of Joe Tynan. He's not particularly likable but I suspect Alda sees him as a "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" everyman hero. That being said, the film is bracing in its depiction of the political terrain of Washington DC and how even "good" people become seduced by dreams of power. The cheesy score is by Bill Conti. With Melvyn Douglas (excellent), Rip Torn, Blanche Baker, Charles Kimbrough, Carrie Nye and Marian Hailey.