Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)

Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Director:

George Clooney

Writers:

George Clooney, Grant Heslov

Stars:

David Strathairn, George Clooney, Patricia Clarkson

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 38 wins & 121 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Daniels	...	Sig Mickelson
David Strathairn	...	Edward R. Murrow
Alex Borstein	...	Natalie
Rose Abdoo	...	Mili Lerner
Dianne Reeves	...	Jazz Singer
Peter Martin	...	Pianist
Christoph Luty	...	Bassist
Jeff Hamilton	...	Drummer
Matt Catingub	...	Saxophonist
Tate Donovan	...	Jesse Zousmer
Reed Diamond	...	John Aaron
Matt Ross	...	Eddie Scott
Patricia Clarkson	...	Shirley Wershba
Robert Downey Jr.	...	Joe Wershba
George Clooney	...	Fred Friendly

Storyline

In the early 1950's, the threat of Communism created an air of paranoia in the United States and exploiting those fears was Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin. However, CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow and his producer Fred W. Friendly decided to take a stand and challenge McCarthy and expose him for the fear monger he was. However, their actions took a great personal toll on both men, but they stood by their convictions and helped to bring down one of the most controversial senators in American history.

---

Plot Keywords:

live television | based on real people | based on real person | 20th century | united states of america | 

---

Taglines:

In A Nation Terrorized By Its Own Government, One Man Dared to Tell The Truth

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Kinowelt [Germany]

Country:

USA France UK Japan

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Good Night, and Good Luck.

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$421,446, 9 October 2005

Gross USA:

$31,558,003

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$54,641,191

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Independent Pictures (WIP), 2929 Productions, Participant

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Of his films, one of George Clooney's favorite movies.

---

Goofs

There is a three prong electrical outlet visible in the Wershbas' bathroom. It was not in common use until decades later.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Sig Mickelson: In 1935, Ed Murrow began his career with CBS. When World War II broke out, it was his voice that brought the Battle of Britain home to us, through his "This Is London" radio series. He started with us all, many of us here tonight, when television was in its infancy, with the news documentary show, "See It Now." He threw stones at giants. Segregation, exploitation of migrant workers, apartheid, J. Edgar Hoover, not the least of which, his historical fight with Senator McCarthy. He ...

---

Crazy Credits

Even the rating band at the tail of the film is in black and white.

---

Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #22.226 (2006)

---

Soundtracks

One for My Baby
(1943)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Performed by Dianne Reeves and Robert Hurst
Produced by Allen Sviridoff

User Reviews

Strathairn and documentary footage produce a winner

This film was a real treat, with Strathairn's dead-on performance as legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow a sure bet for at least an Oscar nomination. Perhaps the best decision by writer-director George Clooney was to cast no one in the role of Senator Joseph McCarthy. Instead, Clooney uses actual footage of McCarthy in the HUAC hearings and press conferences. Movies based on actual historical events often sensationalize events, but the extensive use of documentary footage brings home the reality of this movie's story line.

In addition to Strathairn's best performance to date, the entire cast delivers, from Clooney himself as Murrow's producer Fred Friendly, to Frank Langella as CBS chairman William Paley, to Ray Wise as the insecure anchorman Don Hollenbeck. If there is a weak point in the cast, it is Jeff Daniels, who was given little to do in the role of news director Sig Mickelson and did little with it.

As most people today are acquainted with the 1950s through black-and-white images, the decision to film in black-and-white also feels appropriate, and helps the documentary footage to blend in seamlessly with the filmed actors. The only real failing of the movie is the lack of real drama. Throughout, Murrow and the gang are seen to have the upper hand, although they sweat about the potential consequences of every action. The slice of history, the ideas presented concerning the proper role of news media, and the terrific performances all more than make up for this, however, and I strongly recommend this film to those who lived through the McCarthy era and to those, such as myself, who only have witnessed it in the rear view mirror.