Secret Honor

Alternative title

Secret Honour

Synopsis

Feature film. Speculative one-man drama from the stage play by Stone and Freed. Former President Nixon, alone in his private office, dictates his thoughts into a tape recorder. His only company is a four-screen closed-circuit TV, portraits on the walls, a bottle of Chivas Regal, and a loaded pistol. At times addressing an imaginary court judge, an aide named Roberto, and talking to himself he reflects on his Quaker upbringing, school days, his family and political career. He leads up to the ‘true’ reasons for the Watergate scandal that resulted in his resignation - an act he regards as one of ‘secret honor’. At one point in the monologue, whilst reflecting on his role in the Eisenhower administration, he recites Hamlet’s ‘to be or not to be’ speech.

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Film

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Year of release

1984

Keywords

Nixon, Richard Milhous; politics; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Credits

Director

Robert Altman

Producer

Robert Altman

Cinematographer

Pierre Mignot

Screenplay

Arnold M. Stone; Donald Freed

Music

George Burt

Cast

Philip Baker Hall

Production Company

Name

Sandcastle 5 Productions

Distributor (Sale)

 

Available from retail outlets