The Ugly American
Harrison MacWhite, an erudite and outspoken scholar, escapes a tough Senate confirmation hearing at the hands of conservatives to become ambassador to Sarkan, a southeast Asian country whose civil war threatens to destabilize an already precarious peace. Despite his experience, MacWhite perceives only a dichotomy between the United States and Communism once he arrives. He is unable to accept the possibility that anti-American sentiment is motivated by a desire for self-determination and nationality. As a result, he abandons his friend Deong, a local opposition leader, disregards a foreman's advise to stall the construction of a road, and attempts to force forward. What cost must the country and his allies bear in order for him to develop some sanity?
Released: 1963-04-02