The Ugly American

The story

An intelligent, articulate scholar, Harrison MacWhite, survives a hostile Senate confirmation hearing at the hands of conservatives to become ambassador to Sarkan, a southeast Asian country where civil war threatens a tense peace. Despite his knowledge, once he's there, MacWhite sees only a dichotomy between the U.S. and Communism. He can't accept that anti-American sentiment might be a longing for self-determination and nationalism. So, he breaks from his friend Deong, a local opposition leader, ignores a foreman's advice about slowing the building of a road, and tries to muscle ahead. What price must the country and his friends pay for him to get some sense?

Cast

M Marlon BrandoAmbassador Harrison Carter MacWhite E Eiji OkadaDeong S Sandra ChurchMarion MacWhite P Pat HingleHomer Atkins A Arthur HillGrainger J Jocelyn BrandoEmma Atkins R Reiko SatoRachani, Deong's Wife K Kukrit PramojPrime Minister Kwen Sai J Judson PrattJoe Bing G George ShibataMunsang P Philip OberAmbassador Sears C Carl Benton ReidSenator at Confirmation Hearing

See more cast

J Judson LaireSenator Brenner Y Yee Tak YipSawad, Deong's Assistant F Frances Helm J James Yagi J John DaheimLate Arrival at Meeting L Leon LontocLee Pang B Bill StoutTyler, NBC Reporter S Stefan SchnabelAndrei Krupitzyn S Simon ScottJohnson S Stuart HallHearing Spectator (uncredited)