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Some ingenious aiming by Alan J. Pakula and scripting by William Goldman remove much of the hereditary dramatic languor in any legend of reporters continuous down a representation.

Thus, All the President’s Men, from the Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein book about their experiences uncovering the Watergate coverup for The Washington Post, emerges close to being an American Z. Robert Redford and especially Dustin Hoffman excel in their starring roles.

Besides the stars, many of the featured players contribute mightily. As Deep Throat, the official who assisted the reporters in filtering out the facts, Hal Holbrook is outstanding; this actor, herein in near-total shadow, is as compelling as he is in virtually every role played.

Jason Robards, as Post exec editor Ben Bradlee, provides an excellent characterization, backed up strongly by Jack Warden and Martin Balsam as senior editors.

1976: Best Supp. Actor (Jason Robards), Adapted Screenplay, Art Direction, Sound.

Nominations: Best Picture, Director, Supp. Actress (Jane Alexander), Editing