When his mentor, Southern Senator Birney (an always wonderful Melvyn Douglas), ask Joe not to come out against a potential Supreme Court nominee Edward Anderson (Maurice Copeland). Joe gives a tentative promise to his old friend. He soon changes his mind when he is approached by lobbyists make it clear that in return for breaking his promise to Birney, they will support Joe’s bid for the presidency.
Louisiana civil rights activist Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep) is armed with lots of evidence that Anderson is a racist who doesn’t deserve the nomination. From there, the two work together to uncover more evidence against Anderson. Away from Ellie, Joe also realizes he has more in common with Karen than he does with his wife. Soon, the two are having an affair.
In his first screenplay, Alda has written himself a complex character. Joe wants to be a family man and do the right thing, but he is driven by his political ambitions. Some of the best political thrillers center on morally ambiguous politicians. Alda shines when playing the self-righteous crusader but falters a bit when playing the husband and father. Perhaps I’ve watched too much M*A*S*H over the years, but I don’t wholly accept him as a man who would destroy his family and bring down another man in pursuit of power.
That said, Alda does have the charisma reminiscent of John F. Kennedy, making the obvious flaws in The Seduction of Joe Tynan easier to stomach. The film also offers the opportunity to see Meryl Streep in an early role. Released in 1979, this was a big year for Meryl. Besides Tynan, Streep would be seen however briefly in Woody Allen’s Manhattan and Robert Benton’s Kramer Vs. Kramer for which she received her first Oscar. While underwritten, Barbara Harris gives a strong performance as Ellie Tynan. Unfortunately, Alda leaves her character (and that of her daughter) at loose ends. As unruly Senator Kittner, Rip Torn chews the scenery with the best of them. The underrated Carrie Nye makes a memorable, if short, appearance as Kittner’s wife. Despite the flaws in the story, the solid performances by the actors makes The Seduction of Joe Tynan is worthwhile viewing for their fans.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Kino Lorber has delivered an excellent transfer. Sharpness is outstanding throughout. Color saturation levels make for a film that pops with life despite its age. There are no significant flaws in the print. Fans will be surprised and delighted by this transfer.
Typical of its era, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono soundtrack offers a pleasant experience. The mix offers clean and clear dialogue as well as realistic environmental effects. Bill Conti’s cheerful score is well mixed, never interfering with other aspects of the recording.
English SDH subtitles are included.
The following special features are available:
- Audio Commentary with Film Historian Bryan Reesman
- Radio Spots (0:57)
- Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:11)
