Word of Honor

This 1981 film, showed up on cable recently. The film is interesting, and timely, because it parallels a political situation that has been playing in the news in 2005: the imprisoning of a New York Times reporter for not revealing her source about the identity of a CIA agent.

"Word of Honor", directed by Mel Damski, also deals with a newspaper writer who finds himself at the center of a court case in which a prominent figure of the community is unmasked by the journalist as a sexual predator. Since he is bound by the promise he made to a young, abused girl, who now lives in complete anonymity, this reporter would rather sticks by his word than reveal the story which was given to him in confidence.

Karl Malden, an actor of integrity, plays the upright Mike McNeill, the reporter for the local paper that is at the center of the story. His oldest daughter is getting married and he risks going to jail and not be able to escort her down the aisle. Mr. Malden plays the role with conviction.

The film is interesting because it's the first feature in which John Malcovich, an actor who went far in his career, had his first appearance. Rue McClanahan plays Maggie, the wife that sticks by her man and ultimately is instrumental in her husband's acquittal. Ron Silver plays a New York newspaper reporter. Henderson Forsythe, Jacqueline Brookes, John Marley, and the rest of the cast do good work for the director.

The film is worth seeing because it shows a man that sticks to his principles and will not denounce his source, under any circumstance, and will go to jail to defend what he believes in.