Alan Alda's first effort as a screenwriter is a poignant commentary on the shady world of politics and its negative effects on those caught in its seductive spell, as seen through the eyes of a young liberal senator. Rising politician Joe Tynan (Alda) is having serious difficulty juggling his career and his family. In particular, he is experiencing a growing number of problems with his loving, neglected wife. An affair with beautiful lobbyist Karen Traynor (Meryl Streep) further complicates his life. Things begin to spiral even further out of control for the panicked senator, threatening his political career in the process. It's up to Tynan to rescue himself, taking stock of his actions and hopefully figuring out what is most important to him before it's too late.

Directed by Jerry Schatzberg (SCARECROW, HONEYSUCKLE ROSE), THE SEDUCTION OF JOE TYNAN addresses a wide spectrum of moral dilemmas. Most specifically, the film poses the universal question of work vs. family, or public life vs. private life, thrusting an unassuming individual into an extremely difficult emotional situation. Playing the troubled senator, Alda is sensitive, passionate, and always watchable.