The Paper (1994)

New York City tabloid editor Henry's faced with tough decisions while he faces several serious life challenges, and a tempting job offer.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers:

David Koepp, Stephen Koepp

Stars:

Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

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

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

newspaper reporter | pregnancy | one day | journalist | newspaper editor | 

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Taglines:

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 March 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Paper

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$175,507, 20 March 1994

Gross USA:

$38,824,341

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$48,424,341

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only thing hyperactive Henry drinks in the entire movie is Coca-Cola.

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Goofs

As the new "They Didn't Do It" headline picture is being emitted from the laser printer, the accompanying audio is that of a dot matrix printer.

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Quotes

Jerry: [on Bernie's mood] What's up his ass?
Henry: A bagel.

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Connections

Features Scrabble (1984)

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Soundtracks

LESSONS IN CHA CHA
Written by Carillo Roman Marquez and Sergio Marmeolejo
Performed by Lester Lanin
Courtesy of Epic Records
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

User Reviews

Typically Good Ron Howard

Ron Howard has assembled an all-star, A-list cast to dramatize a day in the life of a New York City tabloid. And they do a great job of it. Ron Howard is not a director to choose the "edgy" themes, and The Paper is no exception. The main plot focuses on the decision of whether or not to publish a sensational story that the editors and writers suspect is false, but will nonetheless sell lots of papers. This thread is supported by a variety of minor, intertwining stories that weave in and out of the main tale. It's very enjoyable stuff, part drama and part comedy. Ron Howard has made a movie that is just right for that weekend rental for the family.