About

When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.

8.1
3,319
Directed by

Sidney Lumet

Written by

Paddy Chayefsky (Screenplay)

Runtime

122 minutes

Country

United States of America

Language

English

Tagline

Television will never be the same

Cast

Keywords

murder adultery corruption television satire network meeting co-worker reporter news power profit corporate tv ratings fired anchor structure rant

Photos

Lists

#189 on IMDb top 250 IMDb

#375 on 1,000 greatest films They Shoot Pictures, Don't They?

#64 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies – 10th Anniversary Edition AFI

#100 on Empire's 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time Empire

Awards

Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Paddy Chayefsky

Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role Peter Finch

Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role Faye Dunaway

Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role Beatrice Straight