An exclusive behind-the-scenes film about Elliot Richardson, US Ambassador to Great Britain - an American who is suddenly the focus of intense speculation. In the last three weeks White House-watchers have been asking the question 'Is Richardson the next Vice-President? Or the new Doctor Kissinger?'

Many were surprised when Elliot Richardson - one of the few major US politicians to emerge with credit from Watergate - accepted the post of United States Ambassador in London. Now after only nine months in the job he is leaving to become President Ford's Secretary of Commerce. But 1976 is US election year. Could the former Ambassador to the Court of St James's be destined for even higher - perhaps the highest - office?

This Inside Story chronicles Elliot Richardson's first months in Britain as he learns the job of Ambassador in one of the great Chancelleries of Europe. It is a film about the man, the job, the inner workings of the Grosvenor Square Embassy and the London diplomatic scene.

Elliot Richardson - lawyer, academic, fanatical fisherman and dedicated 'doodler' - has held more Cabinet posts than any other American in his country's history. To this distinction, he can now add experience in diplomatic affairs abroad, carrying out the Ambassador's triple role of informing, representing and acting in the interests of America.