Frost/Nixon

In 1972, the Watergate scandal erupted when members of President Nixon's campaign were caught attempting to bug the Democratic National Party's headquarters. This event forever altered the political landscape, leading to a loss of trust in the government and setting the stage for Nixon's eventual resignation.

On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon departed from the White House aboard Marine One, witnessed by an astounding 400 million viewers. His resignation came without any admission of guilt or apology, marking a significant moment in American political history.

British journalist David Frost, while recording a talk show in Australia, was inspired by Nixon's departure to secure an interview with the former president. Recognizing the potential magnitude of such a dialogue, he began to formulate a plan to make it happen.

After Nixon's resignation, President Gerald Ford granted him a full pardon, allowing him to avoid trial for his actions during the Watergate scandal. This controversial decision further complicated the public's perception of Nixon and Ford's administration.

In the wake of his presidency, Nixon began to write his memoirs with the assistance of Diane Sawyer and writer Frank Gannon. This endeavor aimed not only to provide a narrative of his time in office but also to restore his reputation over time.

Nixon’s literary agent, Irving Lazar, originally demanded $500,000 for the interview series but eventually negotiated a whopping $600,000. This significant sum aimed to ensure Nixon's participation, highlighting the financial aspects that underscored the interviews.

Determined to bring the interviews to fruition, Frost persuaded his producer and friend, John Birt, of their potential success. This step was crucial in moving forward with a project that was fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

As Frost prepared to meet Nixon, he developed a romantic relationship with Caroline Cushing, who accompanied him on the journey. Their connection added a personal touch to Frost's experience as he navigated this high-stakes situation.

Frost faced significant obstacles in securing funding from American networks, forcing him to finance the project through private investments. The financial strain became particularly evident as advertisers began to pull out, further complicating the endeavor.

Frost enlisted investigators Bob Zelnick and James Reston Jr. to help prepare for the interviews, focusing on holding Nixon accountable for his actions. Reston's passion and tenacity played a pivotal role in shaping the discussions, driving Frost towards deeper inquiries.

Upon meeting Nixon, Frost learned that Nixon viewed their upcoming interviews as a 'duel,' indicating the high stakes involved. Both men were prepared to confront each other, setting a tense tone for the dialogues to follow.

Throughout the interviews, Nixon's chief of staff, Jack Brennan, exerted control by mandating that discussions center on Nixon's accomplishments. This created tension, as Frost struggled to navigate the pushback while attempting to ask challenging questions.

In the days leading up to the final interview focused on Watergate, a drunken Nixon reached out to Frost, acknowledging the significance of the moment. This conversation ignited Frost's determination to better prepare for their critical face-off.

During the final interview, Frost confronted Nixon with incriminating transcripts, leading to the pivotal moment when Nixon infamously declared his actions as legal. This confrontation marked a turning point in the discussions, with Frost gaining the upper hand.

Following the interviews, Frost and Cushing exchanged farewells with Nixon at his villa, symbolizing a moment of mutual acknowledgment and reflection. Despite the interviews' commercial success, Nixon remained embroiled in controversy until his death in 1994.