***SPOILERS*** Hard working and on the front lines social worker Neil Brock, George C. Scott, is picked by up and coming Congressman Charles "Handsome Charlie" Hanson, Linden Chiles, as his #1 man as he plans for big things in the future in being elected ,12 years hence, president of the United States in 1976. Brock despite not really being a team player in doing his own thing is just what "Hamdsome Charlie" wants as his top assistant. But Brock who loves his job that pays him $7,700 a year, that $58,000.00 in 2015 dollars,and isn't all that willing to give it up despite getting twice as much working for "Handsome Charlie" who unlike himself is going places and going fast.
Little by little "Handsome Charlie" Hanson gets Brock to see things his way by arranging, with the shows producer, in having him see a number of "East Side West Side" episodes-while he's asleep- when his being just a social worker didn't help those he tried to help with their problems because of red tape he had to face from the higher ups in the city government that as his assistant he would have succeeded in overcoming. This causes Brock to lose sleep in knowing that he's just pi**ing against the wind in trying to get things done and letting his clients, those without hope,down in not doing the job that he's trying to do for them. When he could do lot better as top assistant and go-to man to the flamboyant going places and handsome congressman.
***SPOILERS**** Seeing the writing on the wall as well as the future, with the series-"East Side West Side-to be canceled in less then a month-Brock jumps ship and joins "Handsome Charlie" Hanson as his #1 man and assistant knowing that's the best option opened to him. Now he can work from the top not bottom to help the poor and disenfranchised to get a better deal in life as well as satisfaction in knowing that it was his unselfish actions, despite getting a raise in pay, in getting it for them.
Little by little "Handsome Charlie" Hanson gets Brock to see things his way by arranging, with the shows producer, in having him see a number of "East Side West Side" episodes-while he's asleep- when his being just a social worker didn't help those he tried to help with their problems because of red tape he had to face from the higher ups in the city government that as his assistant he would have succeeded in overcoming. This causes Brock to lose sleep in knowing that he's just pi**ing against the wind in trying to get things done and letting his clients, those without hope,down in not doing the job that he's trying to do for them. When he could do lot better as top assistant and go-to man to the flamboyant going places and handsome congressman.
***SPOILERS**** Seeing the writing on the wall as well as the future, with the series-"East Side West Side-to be canceled in less then a month-Brock jumps ship and joins "Handsome Charlie" Hanson as his #1 man and assistant knowing that's the best option opened to him. Now he can work from the top not bottom to help the poor and disenfranchised to get a better deal in life as well as satisfaction in knowing that it was his unselfish actions, despite getting a raise in pay, in getting it for them.