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 14 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.

---

Plot Keywords:

1980s | jarhead | skank | slut | tv reporter | 

---

Taglines:

It's the story of their lives.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

R

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

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Aaron Altman asks Tom Grunick if he can name each of the Cabinet Members, and, when Tom tells him yes, and Aaron asks, "All twelve?", to which Tom replies, "Yes, Aaron, all twelve", and then Brooks says, "There are only ten." There were actually 13 in 1986: Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, and Treasury. As of 2016, there are 15: the 13 in 1986 plus Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs.

---

Goofs

When Jane approaches the restaurant (to meet the gang for drinks), Tom and Jennifer start to come around the corner prematurely. They quickly backpedal and then come around on cue when Jane is closer.

---

Quotes

Jane Craig: [removing herself from a conversation with Tom] I've gotta find someone. It's important. Excuse me.

---

Crazy Credits

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

---

Connections

Referenced in Jersey Girl (2004)

---

Soundtracks

L'Edition Speciale
Written by Francis Cabrel
Performed by Francis Cabrel
Courtesy of Editions 31 (Paris)

User Reviews

Sadly true and great.

I say sadly because if you see this movie now, you realize how low our media has sunk- all the warning signs are in this movie.

It's a great film, I think the last great James Brooks film, but others may disagree. It has rich characters (who are believable as well), great acting, great writing, and although the music got a little cheesy, I even liked that.

William Hurt has never been better. Holly Hunter is stunning. And Albert Brooks walks away with every scene he's in- this triangle of people is beautifully drawn and compelling and made the whole movie soar above it's vital and important topic of the News, and how it's slowly being compromised in our nation.

Watch this with NETWORK for a truly fun and frightening evening.