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Half a century in show business has taught Ron Howard the value of good storytelling. But as he turns to the story of Richard Nixon, Howard again proves that many of the best stories are real, writes DONALD CLARKE.

HERE’S AN arresting thought. When Ron Howard took his first steps into show business, Richard Nixon was enjoying his second term as vice-president of the US. That’s correct. Eisenhower was still in charge and the most controversial episodes in Nixon’s career were still decades ahead of him.