Broadcast News (1987)

Take two rival television reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one Producer, female. Mix well, and watch the sparks fly.

Director:

James L. Brooks

Writer:

James L. Brooks

Stars:

William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter

Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 13 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Hurt	...	Tom Grunick
Albert Brooks	...	Aaron Altman
Holly Hunter	...	Jane Craig
Robert Prosky	...	Ernie Merriman
Lois Chiles	...	Jennifer Mack
Joan Cusack	...	Blair Litton (as Joan Cusak)
Peter Hackes	...	Paul Moore
Christian Clemenson	...	Bobby
Jack Nicholson	...	Bill Rorish
Robert Katims	...	Martin Klein
Ed Wheeler	...	George Weln
Stephen Mendillo	...	Gerald Grunick
Kimber Shoop	...	Young Tom
Dwayne Markee	...	Young Aaron
Gennie James	...	Young Jane

Storyline

Basket-case network news producer Jane Craig falls for new reporter Tom Grunnick, a pretty boy who represents the trend towards entertainment news she despises. Aaron Altman, a talented but plain correspondent, carries an unrequited torch for Jane. Sparks fly between the three as the network prepares for big changes, and both the news and Jane must decide between style and substance.

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Plot Keywords:

1980s | panties hit the floor | tv reporter | washington d.c. | woman | 

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Taglines:

It's the story of their lives.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish French German

Release Date:

25 December 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Network News

Filming Locations:

600 East Capitol Street SE, Capitol Hill, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$197,542, 20 December 1987, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$51,249,404

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$67,331,309

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amercent Films, American Entertainment Partners L.P., Gracie Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

133 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First theatrical film in four years for James L. Brooks, whose previous film was Terms of Endearment (1983), which won five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Albert Brooks and Jack Nicholson appeared in this movie and Terms of Endearment (1983). At least eighteen members of cast and crew worked on both of these movies. Also, both of the movies were Oscar nominated in numerous categories, with this movie and Terms of Endearment (1983) receiving seven and eleven Academy Award nominations, respectively.

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Goofs

One of the anchormen asks for water at his desk. The Italian version mistranslates "I want Walter at my desk".

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Quotes

Martin Klein: OK. What about this? Here's a tough ethical one. Would you tell a source that you loved them? Just to get some information?
Aaron Altman: Yes.
George Wein: Yes.
Ernie Merriman: Me too.
Jennifer Mack: Sure.
George Wein: You bet.
Aaron Altman: Jennifer didn't know there was an alternative.

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Crazy Credits

Albert Brooks' singing of "L'Edition Speciale" from the film also briefly appears in the end credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Focus Group (2006)

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Soundtracks

Midnight Train to Georgia
Written by Jim Weatherly
Performed by Gladys Knight & The Pips
Courtesy of Buddah Records

User Reviews

Did Walter Cronkite act like this?

Excellent movie about a big media firm and the goings on both on and off camera. Covering several years, the film centers on 3 upwardly mobile, young hopefuls, all striving for their place within the corporation. Well written dialogue, flawless acting, and a riveting story made for 2 hours of solid entertainment.