Good Night, and Good Luck.

The year is 1953. A thick haze of cigarette smoke hangs heavy in the CBS newsroom, a perpetual twilight under the glare of studio lights. Edward R. Murrow, his face etched with a quiet determination, adjusts his tie, the familiar rasp of his voice cutting through the nervous chatter. Senator Joseph McCarthy’s shadow looms large over the nation, and fear is a potent weapon. Fred Friendly, Murrow’s steadfast producer, slams a file onto the desk, “They’re coming for everyone, Ed. We have to make a stand.” Across the room, Shirley Wershba and Joe Wershba, two young, ambitious researchers, huddle over documents, their whispers laced with a mixture of apprehension and resolve. The tension is palpable; even William Paley, the head of CBS, a man who values ratings above all else, senses the gravity of the situation. This isn’t just news; it’s a battle for the soul of America, and Edward R. Murrow is about to declare war.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

In the smoky, tension-filled newsrooms of 1950s New York, Edward R. Murrow, a respected CBS journalist, finds himself increasingly disturbed by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s relentless crusade against alleged communists. Murrow, alongside his steadfast producer Fred Friendly, decides to use their platform, the widely watched “See It Now” program, to challenge McCarthy’s tactics, despite immense pressure from CBS executives like William Paley, who fear financial repercussions and government intervention. As Murrow and Friendly delve deeper, they uncover fabricated evidence and ruined lives, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and mass hysteria. Their dedicated team, including the discreet Joe Wershba and his wife Shirley Wershba, work tirelessly to support Murrow, even as their own secrets and anxieties simmer beneath the surface, threatened by the very scrutiny they expose. Colleague Don Hollenbeck, struggles privately with accusations mirroring those of McCarthy, becoming a casualty of the era’s paranoia. The conflict escalates, with McCarthy launching personal attacks against Murrow, accusing him of communist sympathies, forcing Murrow to defend his integrity and the principles of journalism itself. In the end, Murrow’s courageous stand, though costly in terms of personal and professional standing, helps to expose McCarthy’s manipulative tactics, contributing to the Senator’s eventual downfall and reminding the nation of the importance of reasoned discourse and unwavering commitment to truth.

Details

In the smoky, black-and-white world of 1950s America, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” chronicles the escalating tension between CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow, portrayed by David Strathairn, and Senator Joseph McCarthy, whose relentless anti-communist crusade threatens to extinguish the very ideals of freedom and truth. Set against the backdrop of a nation gripped by fear, Murrow, alongside his dedicated producer Fred Friendly, masterfully played by George Clooney, dares to use the power of television to expose McCarthy’s manipulative tactics and reckless accusations. As Murrow and his team, including the committed reporters Shirley Wershba and her husband Joe Wershba portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., dig deeper, they face immense pressure from the network executives, led by William Paley. The film vividly captures the internal battles within CBS as they grapple with the potential repercussions of challenging such a powerful figure. Don Hollenbeck a fellow reporter navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue, highlighting the personal cost of journalistic integrity during this tumultuous period. With the stakes rising and careers hanging in the balance, Murrow’s unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics ignites a national conversation, ultimately challenging the nation to confront its own anxieties and defend the principles upon which it was founded. This is a story about courage, integrity, and the power of truth in the face of overwhelming opposition.

FAQs

“`html

What is the movie “Good Night, and Good Luck.” about?

It tells the story of journalist Edward R. Murrow’s confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist campaigns in the 1950s.

When was “Good Night, and Good Luck.” released?

The movie was released on September 16, 2005.

Who directed “Good Night, and Good Luck.”?

George Clooney directed the film.

Who are the main actors in “Good Night, and Good Luck.”?

The main actors include David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow, George Clooney as Fred Friendly, and Patricia Clarkson as Shirley Wershba.

What genres does “Good Night, and Good Luck.” fall under?

The movie is categorized as a Drama and History film.

What was the budget for “Good Night, and Good Luck.”?

The film’s budget was $7,000,000.

What was the revenue generated by “Good Night, and Good Luck.”?

The movie grossed $54,600,000 in revenue.

What is the runtime of “Good Night, and Good Luck.”?

The film has a runtime of 92 minutes.

Where was “Good Night, and Good Luck.” produced?

The movie was produced in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan.

What is the tagline for “Good Night, and Good Luck.”?

The tagline is “We will not walk in fear of one another.”

“`