State of the Union

Year: 1948

Runtime: 124 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Capra

ComedyDrama

When a powerful industrialist is persuaded to launch a bid for the presidency, he discovers the campaign comes at a steep personal price. To secure the nomination he must navigate treacherous political maneuvering while confronting painful compromises that strain his marriage and test his convictions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen State of the Union yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – State of the Union (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of State of the Union (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Main Characters – State of the Union (1948)

Meet the key characters of State of the Union (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Major Themes – State of the Union (1948)

Explore the central themes of State of the Union (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Political dramas about moral compromise like State of the Union

Stories exposing the corrupting influence of power on ambition and integrity.If you liked the tense political maneuvering and ethical dilemmas in State of the Union, you'll appreciate these movies. They feature characters grappling with idealism versus pragmatism in high-stakes settings, often with a critical look at power and corruption.

thought-provokingmorally conflictedtensedramaticbehind-the-scenescriticalanxious

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist's ascent within a powerful system, only to force a confrontation with the moral cost of their ambition. The journey involves seduction by power, followed by a crisis of conscience that often leads to a bittersweet or pyrrhic victory, prioritizing personal redemption over systemic success.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared critical perspective on power structures, a tense and dramatic tone, and a central character arc that revolves around the conflict between personal integrity and professional ambition.

Movies about strained marriages under pressure like State of the Union

Intimate dramas where public ambition threatens private relationships.Fans of the marital strife and emotional conflict in State of the Union will find similar stories here. These films explore how ambition, betrayal, and public duty can fracture a relationship, focusing on the characters' emotional journeys toward reconciliation or collapse.

dysfunctional marriageemotional manipulationdramatictensemorally conflictedredemptive

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a couple whose bond is challenged by the demands of one partner's rising ambition, leading to betrayal, neglect, or moral disagreement. The story arc follows the crumbling of their private world, culminating in a confrontation that tests the foundation of their relationship and leads to a redefinition of their partnership.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core focus on a dysfunctional relationship as the emotional heart of the story, driven by themes of betrayal, compromise, and the conflict between public and private life. They typically have a steady pace and medium emotional weight.

Unlock the Full Story of State of the Union

Don't stop at just watching — explore State of the Union in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what State of the Union is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

State of the Union Summary

Read a complete plot summary of State of the Union, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

State of the Union Timeline

Track the full timeline of State of the Union with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

State of the Union Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of State of the Union that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About State of the Union

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about State of the Union: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to State of the Union

Discover movies like State of the Union that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.