A Public Affair Reviews

Binns plays a California state senator who is angered by unscrupulous and illegal methods employed by collection agencies. He introduces legislation that establishes a committee to investigate abuses. He is determined to end the problem by the close of the legislative term, with assistance from Carey and Whitney. But Pratt, a conniving lobbyist, plans an attack on Binns's integrity to destroy his credibility and kill the committee. He fails in his mission, and the bill ultimately passes. This film certainly holds great educational interest, for it well portrays the inner workings of state government. However, the political ends often overpower the characters, giving the actors little more to do than go about their business. The characters thus lack real depth, despite a uniformly good cast. The pacing is excellent, with a direction and script that clearly explain the complicated business of government. This was filmed on location in the California state capitol, Sacramento.