Is The Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Man Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1972, The Man emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When the President and Speaker of the House are killed in a building collapse, and the Vice-President declines the office due to age and ill-health, Senate President pro tempore Douglas Dilman (James Earl Jones) suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. Unlike standard genre fare, The Man attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Man features a noteworthy lineup led by James Earl Jones . Supported by the likes of Martin Balsam and Burgess Meredith , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Man (1972) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Man Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Man is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Man Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Man concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Man reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Man?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of The Man
- James Earl Jones – Douglass Dilman
- Martin Balsam – Jim Talley
- Burgess Meredith – Senator Watson
- Lew Ayres – Noah Calvin
- William Windom – Arthur Eaton
Top Highlights
James Earl JonesDouglass Dilman
Martin BalsamJim Talley
Burgess MeredithSenator Watson
Lew AyresNoah Calvin
William WindomArthur Eaton
Barbara RushKay Eaton
Georg Stanford BrownRobert Wheeler
Janet MacLachlanWanda
Martin E. BrooksWheeler's Lawyer
Simon ScottHugh Gaynor
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Man is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Man stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Man movie hit or flop?
The Man has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Man worth watching?
The Man is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Man online?
The Man may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
