Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Michael Keaton | ... | Henry Hackett | |
Robert Duvall | ... | Bernie White | |
Glenn Close | ... | Alicia Clark | |
Marisa Tomei | ... | Martha Hackett | |
Randy Quaid | ... | Michael McDougal | |
Jason Robards | ... | Graham Keighley | |
Jason Alexander | ... | Marion Sandusky | |
Spalding Gray | ... | Paul Bladden | |
Catherine O'Hara | ... | Susan | |
Lynne Thigpen | ... | Janet | |
Jack Kehoe | ... | Phil | |
Roma Maffia | ... | Carmen | |
Clint Howard | ... | Ray Blaisch | |
Geoffrey Owens | ... | Lou | |
Amelia Campbell | ... | Robin |
Henry Hackett is the editor of a New York City tabloid. He is a workaholic who loves his job, but the long hours and low pay are leading to discontent. Also, publisher Bernie White faces financial straits, and has hatchetman Alicia Clark, Henry's nemesis, impose unpopular cutbacks. Henry's wife Martha, a hugely pregnant former reporter of his, is fed up because he has so little time for his family. He is therefore considering an offer from Paul Bladden to edit a paper like the New York Times, which would mean more money, shorter hours, more respectability...but might also be a bit boring for his tastes. But a hot story soon confronts Henry with tough decisions. Written by Reid Gagle
THE PAPER was a glossy but substance-challenged comedy drama that is supposed to provide an incisive look into the daily running of a large metropolitan newspaper. Michael Keaton stars as Henry Hackett, a maverick reporter trying to get the facts accurate on the biggest story of the decade while simultaneously chasing down a better job at another paper. The impressive supporting cast includes Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid, Jason Alexander, Catherine O'Hara, Spalding Gray, Lynne Thigpen, and a classy cameo by Jason Robards as the paper's publisher. No, there's not a lot going on here, but the all-star cast makes it worth a peek.