The Manchurian Candidate Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Korean War vet gets brainwashed by communists so his mom can become the ultimate stage mom by launching her dimwit husband into the presidency via assassination, but a deck of cards ruins everything.

🍿 The Manchurian Candidate: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Recurring Nightmares and Raymond Shaw’s Return

Major Bennett Marco, haunted by a recurring nightmare from his time in the Korean War, becomes fixated on Sergeant Raymond Shaw, a Medal of Honor recipient. Marco’s nightmare involves Shaw committing murders during what appears to be a brainwashing session. Shaw, now back in the United States, is distant and controlled by his domineering mother, Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin. Marco’s unsettling dreams and his discomfort with the official narrative of Shaw’s heroism drive him to investigate further.

The Communist Conspiracy Unravels

Marco discovers that other members of his unit share the same nightmare, solidifying his belief that something sinister happened to them in Korea. He learns about the role of the Queen of Diamonds playing card as a trigger for Shaw’s actions. Mrs. Iselin, revealed to be a key player in a Communist conspiracy, manipulates her husband, Senator John Iselin, and uses her son, Raymond, as a pawn in their scheme to gain political power. This section builds the suspense as Marco races against time to expose the truth and prevent a deadly assassination.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra): A U.S. Army intelligence officer haunted by recurring nightmares, leading him to uncover a brainwashing conspiracy.
• Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey): A Korean War hero and Medal of Honor recipient, secretly brainwashed to be an unwitting assassin.
• Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin (Angela Lansbury): Raymond’s domineering and ambitious mother, secretly a communist agent orchestrating a political takeover.
• Senator John Yerkes Iselin (James Gregory): Raymond’s buffoonish stepfather and a U.S. Senator, manipulated by his wife and the Communists.
• Eugenie Rose Chaney (Janet Leigh): A mysterious woman who meets Major Marco and becomes entangled in the conspiracy.
• Jocelyn Jordan (Leslie Parrish): Raymond’s former lover and the daughter of a political rival, who becomes a tragic victim of the conspiracy.
• Chunjin (Henry Silva): A Korean interpreter who facilitates the capture and brainwashing of the American soldiers.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bennett Marco: “Raymond Shaw is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.” – A phrase repeated robotically by Marco and other members of Shaw’s platoon due to their brainwashing.
• Eleanor Shaw Iselin: “I didn’t know it was going to be my son. I swear to God, I didn’t know it was going to be my son!” – Mrs. Iselin’s chilling exclamation when revealing the full extent of the communist plot, showing her chilling ambition.
• Bennett Marco: “An hour ago I couldn’t have told you who nominated me for assistant recreation officer of my block. Now, suddenly, I’m carrying around enough information to wreck the lives of a dozen prominent people.” – Marco’s sarcastic remark highlighting the sudden and overwhelming nature of the conspiracy he uncovers.
• Eleanor Shaw Iselin: “You see, the senator is my career.” – Mrs. Iselin’s frank admission that she is the true driving force behind her husband’s political ambitions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,200,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,757,256
• Worldwide Gross: $2,757,256

💥 The Manchurian Candidate Reviews

Personal Review

This movie messed with my head in the best way possible. I was completely absorbed in the story, and the dream sequences were so unsettling. Angela Lansbury is terrifyingly amazing; it’s hard to believe it’s the same actress from Murder She Wrote! The train scene between Frank Sinatra and Janet Leigh feels so out of place which only adds to the movie’s bizarre feel. Highly recommend this one, but be prepared for a wild ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in Cold War era films”
  • “Those who appreciate sharp satire and suspenseful plots”
  • “Admirers of Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Themes of political manipulation”
  • “Brainwashing”
  • “Some dated cultural representations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Frankenheimer crafts a chilling atmosphere of paranoia that grips you from the opening scene. Sinatra delivers a nuanced performance as the unraveling Major Marco, while Lansbury is terrifying as the manipulative mother. A brilliant commentary on Cold War anxieties, not just a thriller.
• The New York Times: “The Manchurian Candidate expertly blends political satire and suspense. Harvey’s portrayal of the stoic Sergeant Shaw is haunting, but it is Lansbury’s performance that truly steals the show. Frankenheimer’s direction is innovative, creating a sense of unease and unpredictability. A daring and thought-provoking film.
• Los Angeles Times: “A captivating and disturbing thriller. Angela Lansbury delivers an unforgettable performance as the Machiavellian mother. The film’s exploration of mind control and political manipulation remains relevant, making it a timeless classic. Frankenheimer’s masterful direction keeps the audience on edge, even decades later.

Audience Reactions

Angela Lansbury’s performance is iconic and unforgettable.: The film’s exploration of paranoia and mind control resonates with audiences even today.

The film is ahead of its time and remains disturbingly relevant.: Viewers praise the film’s intelligent script, suspenseful plot, and stellar performances.

Overall Consensus: A brilliant Cold War thriller with a stellar cast and a thought-provoking exploration of paranoia and political manipulation. Angela Lansbury’s performance is considered iconic.

Awards

1. Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actress)- 1963

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Frank Sinatra bought the rights to the film and kept it out of circulation for many years, reportedly due to its themes of political assassination and the Kennedy assassination.”
• “Angela Lansbury was only three years older than Laurence Harvey, but make-up and costume design helped create the illusion of a significant age difference.”
• “The film was released during the height of the Cold War, reflecting widespread anxieties about communism and the potential for foreign influence in American politics.”
• “During the filming of the fight sequence between Sinatra and Henry Silva, Sinatra broke the little finger of his right hand.”
• “Director John Frankenheimer used innovative camera techniques, including wide-angle lenses and unusual shot compositions, to create a sense of unease and disorientation.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Manchurian Candidate?

The Manchurian Candidate (1962) is widely available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. While it may occasionally be available on streaming services like Paramount+, availability can fluctuate. Check listings on these platforms for current streaming options and rental/purchase prices. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are readily available from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Manchurian Candidate, you might like these similar films:

• Seven Days in May (1964): Another political thriller directed by John Frankenheimer, exploring themes of conspiracy and the threat to democracy.
• Winter Soldier (2014): A more modern take on the concept of brainwashing and sleeper agents in political thrillers.
• The Parallax View (1974): A dark, cynical thriller about political assassination and conspiracy that shares a similar tone and thematic concerns.
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): A Cold War satire that, while comedic, explores the anxieties of the era with a dark and subversive edge.

🛒 The Manchurian Candidate Related Products

• The Manchurian Candidate (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A digitally restored edition of the film, with special features including interviews, documentaries, and essays. This is a definitive edition for collectors and movie buffs alike. It’s the best version of the film available.
• Funko Pop! Angela Lansbury – The Manchurian Candidate: A collectible vinyl figure of Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin. A perfect addition to any Funko Pop! or movie memorabilia collection.
• Queen of Diamonds Playing Cards – The Manchurian Candidate Inspired Deck: A novelty deck of cards, where every card is the Queen of Diamonds. A unique conversation starter and collectible item for fans of the movie.
• The Manchurian Candidate [Kindle Edition]: The original novel by Richard Condon that inspired the movie. Experience the full depth of the story in its original form.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Manchurian Candidate features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Washington Post” – performed by John Philip Sousa
• “Main Title” – performed by David Amram

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kyle MacLachlan’s Closet Picks

Ever wonder what movies inspire great actors? Kyle MacLachlan picks ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ as one of his favorites, and his reasoning gives you a deeper appreciation for the movie. I never thought about it that way before!

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