Recommendation from the Librarian

Good Night, and Good Luck [DVD]

I want to make it abundantly clear: this recommendation has nothing to do with my ever-growing Robert Downey, Jr. obsession (although he is brilliant in the movie). My recommendation is based purely on the fact this is a great film.

Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by George Clooney (that's right, Dr. Doug Ross!), garnered some notable nominations at the 2006 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. It is a worthwhile film. Trust me!

Summary
The film takes place in the 1950's America, during the early days of broadcast journalism. It chronicles the real-life conflict between television newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee. With a desire to report the facts and enlighten the public, Murrow, and his dedicated staff - headed by his producer Fred Friendly and Joe Wershba in the CBS newsroom - defy corporate and sponsorship pressures to examine the lies and scaremongering tactics perpetrated by McCarthy during his communist 'witch-hunts'. A very public feud develops when the Senator responds by accusing the anchor of being a communist. In this climate of fear and reprisal, the CBS crew carries on and their tenacity will prove historic and monumental.

The film stars David Strathairn, Robert Downey, Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Ray Wise, Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels, George Clooney, Tate Donovan, and Tom McCarthy.