Adroitly combining humor and intimate drama, Joe Tynan joins that list of exemplary Washington-set pix, including Advise and Consent and The Best Man.
In large part, the credit goes to Alan Alda, whose portrayal in the title role is no less complex and multi-faceted than his screenplay. Joe Tynan is a familiar political figure: the young, handsome liberal Senator who rides upward on the coat-tails of a few big media victories. Alda assumes the pasted-on smile, the hearty handshake and breezy confidence of a politico with immense ease. He seems to have been born for the role.
Less often explored is the price paid for such double-edged success, and this is where Joe Tynan excels. As Alda’s intelligent and frustrated wife, Barbara Harris gives the performance of her career.
