William Paley

Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)

Actors: Robert Downey Jr. (actor), David Strathairn (actor), Glenn Morshower (actor), Liberace (actor), George Clooney (actor), Simon Helberg (actor), Frank Langella (actor), Robert Knepper (actor), Jeff Daniels (actor), Robert F. Kennedy (actor), Ray Donn (actor), Tate Donovan (actor), Grant Heslov (actor), Alex Borstein (actress), Ray Wise (actor),

Plot: 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 (II)' (qv) of Wisconsin. However, CBS reporter 'Edward R. Murrow' (qv) and his producer 'Fred W. Friendly' (qv) 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.

Keywords: 1950s, accusation, accused-of-being-a-communist, aclu, advertising, advertising-agency, african-american, american-politics, applause, archive-footage
Genres: Drama, History,
Taglines: We will not walk in fear of one another. In A Nation Terrorized By Its Own Government, One Man Dared to Tell The Truth They Took On The Government With Nothing But The Truth

Quotes:

Edward R. Murrow: We'll split the advertising, Fred and I. He just won't have any presents for his kids at Christmas.::Sig Mickelson: He's a Jew.::Edward R. Murrow: Well don't tell him that. He loves Christmas.

Edward R. Murrow: Did you know that Shirley and Joe are married?::Fred Friendly: Yeah.::Edward R. Murrow: Did everybody know?

Edward R. Murrow: We will not walk in fear, one of another.

Edward R. Murrow: No one familiar with the history of this country, can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating. But the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one, and the Junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always, that accusation is not proof, and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we dig deep into our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to associate, to speak, and to defend the causes that were for the moment unpopular. This is no time for men who oppose Sen. McCarthy's methods to keep silent or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. We proclaim ourselves as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom wherever it continues to exist in the world. But we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the Junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his, he didn't create this situation of fear, he merely exploited it, and rather successfully. Cassius was right, the fault dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves. Good night, and good luck.

Colonel Anderson: Wouldn't you guess that the people who have seen the contents of that envelope might have a better idea of what makes someone a danger to his country, or do you think it should just be you, sir, who decides?::Fred Friendly: Who? Who? Who are these people, sir? Who are the people? Are they elected? Are they appointed? Is it you?

[last lines]::Edward R. Murrow: To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. Good night, and good luck.

[repeated line]::Edward R. Murrow: Good night, and good luck.

Edward R. Murrow: Funny thing, Freddie, every time you light a cigarette for me, I know you're lying.

Fred Friendly: There's no news, boys, so go out there and make some news. Rob a bank, mug an old lady, whatever - just do something.

Edward R. Murrow: What'd the general have to say?::Fred Friendly: It was a colonel. Two of them.::Edward R. Murrow: That makes a general.