Article: Simply capitol; White House drama The West Wing attracts 25 million viewers in the US, has won a clutch of industry awards and has cult status here. But what exactly is behind its phenomenal success?

MARTIN Sheen needs to get real. While filming Apocalypse Now in 1976 he explored his own heart of darkness, getting drunk before one key scene, smashing a mirror and badly cutting his hand. Over 25 years later he is at it again. This time, say insiders on hit political drama The West Wing, Sheen doesn't just enjoy playing the President of the United States, he thinks he is the President of the United States. Apparently he likes nothing more than being driven through the streets of Los Angeles with the window rolled down, the political anthem Hail To The Chief blaring from the speakers, giving a statesmanlike wave to his loyal subjects. "I don't have the kind of intelligence or make-up to be ...

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