Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story

About This Movie

So, 'Men of Crisis: The Harvey Wallinger Story' is this quirky little TV special from 1971 that dives into the absurdity of political power in a comedic way. It follows Dr. Wallinger, who kind of becomes Nixon's puppet master, which is a fascinating take on the political climate back then. The tone is satirical, mixing humor with some biting social commentary, and the pacing is tight, not wasting time on fluff. What stands out is how it uses practical effects and performances to exaggerate the ridiculousness of the political scene at the time, giving it a unique flavor that feels almost avant-garde for a TV movie. It's definitely one of those pieces that captures a moment in time, especially for collectors interested in political satire.

This title has a bit of a cult status among collectors, especially for those interested in political satire. Its history is curious, given that it was pulled from PBS’s schedule right before airing, making it somewhat elusive. Early broadcasts and home video formats are pretty scarce, so finding a decent copy can be a challenge. Overall, it garners interest for its offbeat approach to a historical moment and its commentary on the nature of power.