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 15 wins & 17 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 | jarhead | tv reporter | television producer | rivalry | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

William Hurt starred in another film about television media, Eyewitness (1981). Both were produced by 20th Century Fox.

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Goofs

As Jane approaches the restaurant to meet the gang for drinks, William Hurt (Tom) peeks around the corner early and realizes he jumped his cue. He quickly pulls back, then he and Jennifer walk around the corner as if they had just left.

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Quotes

Aaron Altman: A lot of alliterations from anxious anchors placed in powerful posts!

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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

Spoofed in Broadcast Nudes (1988)

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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

Terrific and smart

I'm sitting around going through movie listings and not really seeing anything I want to see. My appetite keeps saying, "Something like BROADCAST NEWS." That's what I want. Something smart and funny, with adult ideas and great acting and writing, and a directorial style that doesn't call attention to itself. This may well be Hurt's best performance (is this or THE BIG CHILL, to my mind): however eccentric, Hurt is smart, and to play an unintelligent person without making sure -- wink wink -- the audience knows -- wink wink -- hey, I'M not stupid... well, that's fine acting right there. Hunter is note-perfect, and Albert Brooks is a revelation. (And he can read and sing at the same time!) Great, great work.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish French German

Release Date:

25 December 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Network News

Filming Locations:

Clifton, Virginia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$197,542, 20 December 1987

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 Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1