Connect with us

Movies

Network (United Artists 1976, Peter Finch, William Holden)

Published

on


In Network Paddy Chayefsky prophetically, scathingly satirizes the lurid depths to which TV will sink for ratings (though he must be in writers’ heaven chuckling about the current state of the media in general).

A ruthless network executive (Faye Dunaway) realizes a news anchorman (Peter Finch), driven crazy by the plunge in standards and full of righteous indignation, is worth more to her crazy than sane (his cri de coeur, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore,” makes a brilliant on-air promo).

News veteran William Holden is the weary voice of sanity as he watches the business (and the woman) he loves sink deeper into the morass. TV veteran Chayefsky is a master of portraying the madness of institutions, and here his script is prevented from slipping into mere parody by Sidney Lumet and the cast. Finch died soon after the production.

When Max (William Holden) and Diana (Faye Dunaway) discuss their affair, they refer to it as “a many-splendored thing,” an inside reference to the 1955 film Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing that also starred Holden.

Advertisement

Academy Award Nominations: 10, including Best Picture; Best Director; Best Actor: William Holden.

production details
Country: USA | United Artists | 122 minutes
Release Year: 1976

Director: Sidney Lumet
Writer: Paddy Chayefsky

Advertisement

cast
Peter Finch as Howard Beale
Ned Beatty as Arthur Jensen
Lance Henriksen as Network Lawyer at Khan’s Place (uncredited)
William Holden as Max Schumacher
Wesley Addy as Nelson Chaney
Faye Dunaway as Diana Christensen
Robert Duvall as Frank Hackett
Roy Poole as Sam Haywood
Lane Smith as Robert McDonough
Beatrice Straight as Louise Schumacher
Jordan Charney as Harry Hunter
William Prince as Edward George Ruddy
Arthur Burghardt as Great Ahmed Kahn
Conchata Ferrell as Barbara Schlesinger
Jerome Dempsey as Walter C. Amundsen
Ed Crowley as Joe Donnelly
Kathy Cronkite as Mary Ann Gifford
Marlene Warfield as Laureen Hobbs
Darryl Hickman as Bill Herron
Ken Kercheval as Merrill Grant
Ted Sorel as Giannini
Cindy Grover as Caroline Schumacher
Michael Lombard as Willie Stein


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

Advertisement
General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News4 hours ago

General Hospital, March 29, 2024, ABC,

Friday’s episode of General Hospital airing March 29, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, explores the fallout from Jason Morgan’s recent...

Good Morning America Good Morning America
News4 hours ago

Sheryl Crow, Good Morning America, March 29, 2024, ABC,

On Friday, March 29, Good Morning America presents a special celebration of the 10th year of the hit Broadway musical...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News4 hours ago

Days of Our Lives, March 29, 2024, Peacock

On Friday, March 29, in the world of Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) has a change of...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News4 hours ago

Eugene Levy, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 29, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, airing on CBS on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM,...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News4 hours ago

Diarra Kilpatrick, CBS Mornings, March 29, 2024

On Friday, March 29th, CBS Mornings will feature a special guest: Diarra Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick is not only the executive producer...

The Jennifer Hudson Show The Jennifer Hudson Show
News4 hours ago

Jenna Dewan, The Jennifer Hudson Show, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29, The Jennifer Hudson Show brings viewers a delightful Spring Celebration. One of the highlights of the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News4 hours ago

Brittany Howard, Mayan Lopez, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 29, 2024, NBC Syndicated

On Friday, March 29, The Kelly Clarkson Show presents an episode filled with incredible segments One of the highlights is...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News4 hours ago

Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Capshaw, Live with Kelly and Mark, 29 March 2024, ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos—the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark—welcome actress Jessica Capshaw and Alice & Jack star...

James Martin's Saturday Morning James Martin's Saturday Morning
News3 hours ago

Michaela Strachan, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, 30 March 2024, ITV1

ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning is the perfect relaxed culinary companion to your weekend, airing every Saturday morning from the...

Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow
News3 hours ago

Alexandra Gardens, Cardiff 3, Antiques Roadshow, 31 March 2024, BBC One

The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow visits Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park, Cardiff, for an episode full of exciting discoveries and fascinating...

RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World
News3 hours ago

Grand Finale, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World, 29 March 2024, BBC Three

BBC Three’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World sees queens from the Drag Race franchise across the globe compete...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News3 hours ago

Natasha Raskin Sharp, Bargain Hunt, 29 March 2024, BBC One

BBC One’s Bargain Hunt sees two teams compete against each other to make the most profit from buying and selling...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News3 hours ago

Chernobyl: The Full Story, 29 March 2024, Channel 5,

Powerful documentary, Chernobyl: The Full Story, narrated by Ben Fogle, airs on Friday 29 March 2024 at 10.00pm on Channel...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News3 hours ago

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Rovaniemi, 29 March 2024, Channel 4,

Join Joe Lycett and a suited-up Desiree Burch for a new episode of Travel Man as they pack their bags...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News3 hours ago

The Sewer Map of Britain, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, Friday

Prepare for an enlightening journey into the underworld on Friday 29 March 2024 at 8.00pm on Channel 5 with The...

Bargain Loving Brits Bargain Loving Brits
News3 hours ago

Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, “Series 11, Episode 8”

This episode of Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun airing on Friday 29 March 2024 at 4.00pm on Channel 5,...

Popular