QUIZ SHOW (Theatrical Release USA 1994)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Starsìììì

Quiz Show—like being there—examines 1950s game show scandals for fixing and manipulating outcomes.   This is a best movie performance for John Turturro since Barton Fink. Christopher McDonald, Ralph Fiennes, David Paymer, Hank Azaria, and Martin Scorsese set the script up for success. The movie is worth a re-watch if only because of the excellent camera close views of facial expression. The acting is very good.

Movie Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Herbie Stempel (John Turturro), television game show contestant, is instructed to ‘take a dive’ after a long-term winning streak in return for a spot on television. He takes the dive and finds the television spot is not soon available. He takes complaint outside studios and a congressional investigation of game shows is ordered.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Redford for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Dreyfuss, Judith James, and Frederick Zollo for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Herbie Stemple (John Turturro), Dick Goodwin (Rob Morrow), Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes), Mark Van Doren (Paul Scofield), Dan Enright (David Paymer), Albert Freedman (Hank Azaria), Jack Barry (Christopher McDonald), Toby Stempel (Johann Carlo), and Dorothy Van Doren (Elizabeth Wilson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a terrific historical piece.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers