How to Win the TV Debate

April. 12,2010      
Rating:
5.5
Trailer Synopsis Cast

With Britain's first-ever political leaders' television debate imminent, award-winning reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers what it's like to take part in these contests and how leaders try to win them. He tells the inside story of why it has taken so long for such debates to arrive in the UK. The programme features candid interviews with US Presidents and their advisers on the tricks of the debate trade. Blending new film and behind-the-scenes footage, some never seen before, it's a tragicomic tale of high politics and low cunning. From John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon through to Barack Obama, candidates are seen being prepared for their debates, then in the sometimes funny, sometimes disastrous results on live television. Cockerell shows why for our would-be next Prime Ministers - Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg - the three debate stages across Britain will be what one former US President calls 'Tension City'.

Michael Cockerell as  Self (Presenter)
Neil Kinnock as  Self
Charles Kennedy as  Self
Michael Dobbs as  Self
Don Hewitt as  Self
Richard Nixon as  Self (Archive Footage)
John F. Kennedy as  Self (Archive Footage)
Robin Day as  Self (Archive Footage)
Nikita Khrushchev as  Self (Archive Footage)
Pat Buchanan as  Self

Reviews

Platicsco
2010/04/12

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

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Siflutter
2010/04/13

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

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Robert Joyner
2010/04/14

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

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Janis
2010/04/15

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

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