This 60-second commercial, titled "Initial," will be shown starting today by Californians for Schwarzenegger, whose main contributor is Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, at $1 million, state election records show.

Unusually long for a political advertisement, it will be televised across California for about a week at a cost of at least $1 million, a Schwarzenegger strategist said. The cost of a prime-time 30-second advertising slot in Los Angeles ranges from $10,000 to $60,000.

Mr. Schwarzenegger is the first out of the television box in a recall field of 135. With this commercial, he squelches headlines, at least for a day, that suggest he is afraid to say something, anything.

PRODUCER Sipple: Strategic Communications Inc. The producer, Don Sipple, is best known for his dark and foreboding advertisement "They Just Keep Coming," which depicts illegal immigrants sneaking into California. Made in support of Proposition 187, a successful 1994 ballot initiative barring illegal immigrants from state services, the commercial has been criticized as demonizing an entire ethnic group.

ON THE SCREEN The advertisement opens with Mr. Schwarzenegger strolling along the walkway of a Bel Air-style home. Bougainvillea crawls up the side of the house; a gas lamp flickers above the threshold. It is a portrait of solidity and prosperity. Mr. Schwarzenegger, dressed in his familiar dark blazer and open white collar, appears strong and confident, regaining the famed composure that at times escapes him on the campaign trail. "The politicians are not doing their job," he says with a stab of the finger.

Cut to interior.

Mr. Schwarzenegger walks into a dark-paneled office with a big desk and a view of a garden through a large window, the kind of set from which presidents and governors address their citizens. He again uses the accusatory finger. "Give California back its future."

THE SCRIPT Mr. Schwarzenegger: "This historic election has come about because there is a tremendous disconnect between the people of California and the leaders of California. We, the people, are doing our job, working hard, raising our families and paying taxes, but the politicians are not doing their job. We can do better than that.

"After all, we are California, always at the forefront of innovation. Our farm products feed the world, and our technology is second to none.

"I am running for governor to lead a movement for change and give California back its future. I stand for fiscally responsible government, rebuilding California's economic engine, putting the needs of children first and reforming our political system so that the public interest comes before special interests.

"I want to be the people's governor. I will work honestly, without fear or favor, to do what is right for all Californians."

Announcer: "Join Arnold, and let's bring California back."

ACCURACY With no specifics, there is little to judge. Mr. Schwarzenegger is correct when he says that California farmers help feed the world and that Silicon Valley is at the forefront of the technological revolution. And most Californians do believe that the state's politicians can do a better job.

SCORECARD With the world waiting for him to emerge from his badger hole, Mr. Schwarzenegger could have taken a tour of the frozen foods section and made headlines. The past week was a bad one for the aging action hero. He was lacerated by fellow Republicans as a liberal in wolf's clothing. He had an important adviser, the billionaire Warren E. Buffett, admit that he thought property taxes should be increased. With its first advertisement, Team Schwarzenegger at least ends the silence. Still, Mr. Schwarzenegger relies heavily on empty turns of phrase, as when he refers to putting public interest before special interests without explaining how.

In the coming weeks he will have to offer specifics in his own voice as to why voters should replace Gov. Gray Davis with him.