Based on the John Ehrlichman novel, The Company, Washington: Behind Closed Doors is a story loosely based on events leading up to the Watergate Scandal. Ehrlichman was once a close aid to former president Richard Nixon and was also involved in the Watergate Scandal so everything you read is an off-shoot of the truth from someone that was actually involved.

Released in 1977 Washington: Behind Closed Doors is a very dated film from the mustard yellow carpet in the White House halls to, well, pretty much everything else. Despite the fact that the mini-series is dated you couldn’t ask for a more powerful cast of actors and actresses to help move the story along. In the mix of powerful names we have Andy Griffith (Matlock), Cliff Robertson (Spiderman 1-3), Jason Robards (Parenthood), Stefani Powers (Hart To Hart), Robert Vaughn (Bullitt), and Harold Gould (The Sting), each offering up a powerhouse performance in their respective parts.

If your familiar with politics you’ll pick up on the Watergate stuff but if you aren’t in the know of this event or simply do not like political films this might not be one for you. I had some trouble staying focused while watching it. Lots of dialogue, LOTS, and not all of it is gangbusters good. Again, dated. The mini-series does have a decent pace but depending on how you receive the series will make up your judgment call. It will either be very long and boring or decent enough to watch through once.

To help sway you the set comes with an 8 page booklet with articles on the  historical background of the program, the Vietnam War, peace movements in America, Nixon’s visit to China, and the Watergate scandal. Also included are brief biographies of the political figures of the period. Watch and read these first and the series might make a bit more sense to you if your not familiar with the material. As always, final judgment is yours. Enjoy.