Television will never be the same.|Nov. 01, 1976|United States|122 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: Howard Beale, a veteran news anchor for the Union Broadcasting System (UBS), is informed by his friend and news division president, Max Schumacher, that his declining ratings will lead to his removal from the air in two weeks. The two bond over their frustrations with the industry. The next night, Beale shocks viewers by announcing on live television that he will end his life during his next broadcast. UBS attempts to fire him immediately, but Schumacher steps in to allow Beale a dignified farewell. When Beale promises to apologize for his outburst, he instead delivers a rant about life being “meaningless,” which unexpectedly boosts ratings.
Despite Schumacher’s objections, UBS executives decide to capitalize on the situation. When Beale’s ratings plateau, programming chief Diana Christensen approaches Schumacher with a proposal to enhance the show. He declines the professional offer but begins a personal affair with her. Christensen later convinces her boss, Frank Hackett, to transition the evening news under the entertainment division, leading to Schumacher’s dismissal.
Beale’s fiery monologues resonate with audiences, inspiring them to chant his iconic phrase, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” His new program, *The Howard Beale Show*, becomes a sensation, with Beale hailed as “the mad prophet of the airwaves.”
As the show reaches peak popularity, Schumacher and Christensen’s relationship struggles. In the end, Schumacher leaves his wife of 25 years to be with Christensen, while Beale’s program continues to dominate television ratings.
Cast director: Sidney Lumet
Cast actor: Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, William Holden, Robert Duvall, Beatrice Straight, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty, Arthur Burghardt, Bill Burrows, John Carpenter
Original name: Network