Lip Service (TV 1988)

A young news reporter schemes to take over the job of a veteran news anchor whose ratings he's been hired to promote.

Director:

William H. Macy

Writers:

Howard Korder (play), Howard Korder (screenplay)

Stars:

Griffin Dunne, Paul Dooley, Jonathan Katz

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Griffin Dunne	...	Lennard 'Len' Burdette
Paul Dooley	...	Gilbert 'Gil' Hutchinson
Jonathan Katz	...	Jerry
Fran Brill	...	Debbie
John C. Jones	...	Hank
Felicity Huffman	...	Woman P.A.
Scott Zigler	...	Salesman #1
Colin Stinton	...	Salesman #2
Christopher Kaldor	...	'Hunter' (Ken)
Raynor Scheine	...	Walter the 'Weather Moose'
Brenda Huggins	...	Reporter
Michael Feingold	...	Warren Yarlsberg
Lois Taylor	...	Teacher #1
Paul Krafin	...	Teacher #2
Hoda Baron	...	Teacher #3

Storyline

A young news reporter schemes to take over the job of a veteran news anchor whose ratings he's been hired to promote.

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Plot Keywords:

news anchor | television industry | television | satire | based on play | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Also Known As:

Audience ad ogni costo

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmhaus, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

67 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Gilbert 'Gil' Hutchinson: My job is to watch, to watch things go by. That's what I'm paid for, to watch and to comment.

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Connections

References The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962)

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Soundtracks

"Open Heart/Open Eyes"
Written and Performed by David Yazbek

User Reviews

Good and incisive; an unsung gem

This non-theatrical, HBO TV movie is as good and incisive a comedic look at the lower levels of the TV-station/news business as the classic Network(1976) is to the upper echelons. Dunne & Dooley excel in this all but unseen, unacclaimed,subtly ruthless spoof of the (lack of) values, the disloyalty and insincerity, and the ignorance of mediocre TV talents.

I didn't realize that William Macy directed this early effort until I discovered the fact here. Not surprised. The wit and intelligent restraint he exhibits as an actor ("Fargo," Pleasantville," even "Civil Action") are evident here, too. And there's Felicity Huffman in an early acting turn, too.