Can't Stop the Press!

Author(s): Lee
Location: NJ

"Can't Stop The Press!"

Directed by George Clooney
Written by George Clooney
Score by John Williams

Main Cast

Liam Neeson as William Randolph Hearst
Kevin Kline as Robert Harrison
Henry Winkler as Mike Wallace
George Clooney as Generoso Pope Jr.
Alan Alda as Rupert Murdoch

Tagline: "Five highly influential men, all born in one century (1850-1950) unknowingly influenced one another"

Synopsis: American Newspaper Magnate William Randolph Hearst controlled much of the world's media in the early 20th Century. Meanwhile, four youngsters, Rupert Murdoch, Robert Harrison, Generoso Pope and Mike Wallace were busy being children. As they each grow up, they begin to read about Hearst and develop a thirst for similar power.

"Can't Stop the Press," links the lives of these influential men. In the film, Hearst influences all four boys, but Harrison most of all (who reads the Hearst papers religiously). Harrison in turn influences Pope (who reads his magazine, Confidential, and reads about Harrison's courage in putting Hollywood's biggest stars on trial). Following in Harrisons' footsteps, Pope starts a National Enquirer Magazine which is later read by Mike Wallace, who goes on to host "Night Beat," a provocative program on television. Rupert Murdoch follows all of these men and assumes the total media takeover. The demise of each (save for Murdoch), is also explored, and each suffers a great deal when they try to report on the most difficult of issues. But the constant shift and rise of newspaper men influenced by other men of the past proves, you just “Can’t Stop the Press!”

What the Press would say:

"Five talented actors take on the difficult challenge of portraying men who knew a lot about people and the world, but of whom little was personally known."

"The film is a meticulous study of the men who changed the world through courageous journalism. Making the approach chronological and connecting the men's lives ads luster to the story's credibility. Incredible!"

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

Best Actor: Liam Neeson & Kevin Kline
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Alda
Best Original Screenplay: George Clooney
Best Director: George Clooney