
The Making of a President
Synopsis
In wartime Sault Ste. Marie, the mayor invites the president of the Jewish congregation to speak at the town’s upcoming ecumenical war bonds rally. However, the president has just quit and nobody wants the thankless job. A funny and endearing drama featuring Melvyn Douglas, Nehemiah Persoff, Paul Soles and a 15-year-old Mike Myers. Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Order of Canada winner Morley Torgov. Collie-haired Myers, in one of his first TV roles, is more behaved than usual as a skateboard-riding young piano prodigy. Hollywood veteran Douglas does most of the heavy lifting as a Jewish elder trying the impossible — recruiting a new president who can, in Torgov’s words, handle himself “among the goyim” at an upcoming town war bond rally. The town’s new tailor (Soles) — thought of as a bit of a peacock — is seen as the perfect candidate. (CBC TV-Movie 1978)
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
CBC 1978
Type: Teaser • Published 2010-11-08
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Stevens
- Screenplay & Story
- Morley Torgov
- Original Title
- The Making of a President
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Stevens
Morley Torgov
Robert Sherrin
Department Leadership Roster
Robert Stevens
Director
Robert Sherrin
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Making of a President.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Making of a President
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Making of a President about?
In wartime Sault Ste. Marie, the mayor invites the president of the Jewish congregation to speak at the town’s upcoming ecumenical war bonds rally. However, the president has just quit and nobody wants the thankless job. A funny and endearing drama featuring Melvyn Douglas, Nehemiah Persoff, Paul Soles and a 15-year-old Mike Myers. Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Order of Canada winner Morley Torgov. Collie-haired Myers, in one of his first TV roles, is more behaved than usual as a skateboard-riding young piano prodigy. Hollywood veteran Douglas does most of the heavy lifting as a Jewish elder trying the impossible — recruiting a new president who can, in Torgov’s words, handle himself “among the goyim” at an upcoming town war bond rally. The town’s new tailor (Soles) — thought of as a bit of a peacock — is seen as the perfect candidate. (CBC TV-Movie 1978)
Who directed The Making of a President?
The Making of a President was directed by Robert Stevens.
Who stars in The Making of a President?
The principal cast of The Making of a President includes Mike Myers, Paul Soles, Melvyn Douglas, Nehemiah Persoff, Paul Kligman.
When was The Making of a President released and how long is it?
The Making of a President was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 0m.



















