This excerpt is from Rats in the Ranks (Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson, 1995).

Every September, Sydney’s Leichhardt Council elects its mayor. Incumbent Larry Hand is popular with the citizenry, but they don’t vote for mayor – the 12 councillors do. And politics is a bruising business; the best policies in the world mean nothing unless you’ve got the numbers.

Rats in the Ranks is a gripping, real-life drama with a white-knuckle climax; a fascinating portrait of how politics really works. Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson – two of Australia’s most distinguished filmmakers – gained extraordinary access to make the film.

Arms are twisted, favours called in, and there are deals, double-crosses and damaging leaks. But right up to the vote, no one knows if the numbers will stick.

Stream Rats in the Ranks on NFSA Player