Advise & Consent is a 1962 American political drama film directed by Otto Preminger. The movie revolves around the confirmation process of a new Secretary of State, Robert Leffingwell, who is nominated by the President, and the controversy that ensues.
As the Senate investigates Leffingwell's past, it is discovered that he may have been a member of a communist organization. This information threatens to ruin not only Leffingwell's reputation but also the President's character, as he must have been aware of Leffingwell's political beliefs before nominating him.
The confirmation hearings become increasingly heated, as political wrangling, personal attacks, and hidden agendas come to light. Various senators, including a southern segregationist and a liberal intellectual, use Leffingwell's confirmation as a platform to further their own political ambitions and ideologies.
As tensions rise, the President is forced to make a difficult decision between supporting his nominee or pulling his candidacy to protect his own reputation. With the fate of the nomination hanging in the balance, the Senate must come to a decision that will have significant consequences for the future of American politics.
Advise & Consent is a powerful exploration of political power struggles, personal ethics, and the challenges of governing in a complex and polarized society. It features outstanding performances from a talented ensemble cast, including Henry Fonda, Charles Laughton, and Burgess Meredith.