The plot is about a Chinese conspiracy to "[[brainwash]]" an American [[POW]] into becoming an unwitting assassin of a candidate for [[President of the United States]] and thus allowing a villain to become President. The film, based on the 1959 novel by Richard Condon, was directed by John Frankenheimer, gained an almost [[cult]]-like following. It represented a new psychological twist in spy movies, playing upon widespread fears at the time that American POWs in Korea were being systematically brainwashed.<ref> It was later realized that sort of brainwashing depicted in the film was impossible. The Communist abused prisoners but made no attempt to control them once freed. On the fears see Susan L. Carruthers, "Redeeming The Captives: Hollywood and the Brainwashing of America's Prisoners of War in Korea." ''Film History'' 1998 10(3): 275-294</ref>. It is considered by many to be the best political thriller ever made. | The plot is about a Chinese conspiracy to "[[brainwash]]" an American [[POW]] into becoming an unwitting assassin of a candidate for [[President of the United States]] and thus allowing a villain to become President. The film, based on the 1959 novel by Richard Condon, was directed by John Frankenheimer, gained an almost [[cult]]-like following. It represented a new psychological twist in spy movies, playing upon widespread fears at the time that American POWs in Korea were being systematically brainwashed.<ref> It was later realized that sort of brainwashing depicted in the film was impossible. The Communist abused prisoners but made no attempt to control them once freed. On the fears see Susan L. Carruthers, "Redeeming The Captives: Hollywood and the Brainwashing of America's Prisoners of War in Korea." ''Film History'' 1998 10(3): 275-294</ref>. It is considered by many to be the best political thriller ever made. |