Q is for Quiz Show, released in 1994, and nominated
for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards (lost to Forrest Gump). Directed by Robert Redford, it is based on a true story
that took place during the late 1950’s, a scandal that involved a television game
show, “Twenty One.” The film is rated PG-13 for some strong language.
Herbie Stempel (John Turturro) is a winning contestant week
after week winning more and more money for his knowledge of obscure topics that
make him seem like a walking genius. His “handlers,” Dan Enright (David Paymer)
and Albert Freedman (Hank Azaria), decide Herbie needs to go and brings on a
charismatic, handsome teacher from a wealthy family, Charles “Charlie” Van
Doren (Ralph Fiennes). Charlie is soon disillusioned because Dan and Albert want
to give him the answers to the questions so that he is sure not to lose.
Herbie feels terrible about losing the show, and over a
question he knew the answer to, but purposely missed because of his instructions.
He makes a big fuss and his plight comes to the attention of Dick Goodwin (Rob
Morrow), a Congressional attorney who takes an interest in the case and the
possible deceit involved.
Dick finds a willing source in Herbie. Then Dick connects
with Charlie. What they have in common is education. Dick’s wife Sandra (Mira
Sorvino) has her own opinions about the issue, and yet supports Dick during his
research. Charlie seems to have found a tactic to keep Dick close so he knows
what is being discovered. Tortured by the cheating on the show, and yet
relishing the sudden money and fame it brings, Charlie is most worried about
his professor father learning the truth.
Probably not true to life, Dick is invited to Charlie’s parents’ home, a
poker game with the boys, and to lunch in an expensive restaurant.
Television networks are very powerful, something the head of
the station reminds Dick. What it comes down to is money, and which contestant
sells the most Geritol. The executives deny knowledge of the small time
workings of the quiz shows, and do not hesitate to have a fall guy in the
person of Dan Enright.
The film is wonderful to watch because the times of the late
1950’s are so well depicted. The film and the screenplay did a superior job
with the dialogue. Thoughtful and real, each person has his or her own unique
voice. Ralph Fiennes is brilliant as the man thrust into the limelight,
wrestling with his conscience daily. John Turturro is the everyman from Queens,
embarrassed that his friends and family will know he didn’t know the answers to
every question. Rob Morrow is the persistent Harvard man who doesn’t really
want to tarnish the Van Dorens’ reputation, but feels sure that the deceit he
is ferreting out at the network is worth the pursuit.
Quiz Show is a really good film,
thoughtful and an important morality tale. Did you see it? Do you agree?
Good choice again, all the better as it is based on a true story.
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2018/04/19/q-is-for-quimper-france/
It is a remarkable story, and good it got told in such a beautifully created film.
DeleteHi Sue - I've never seen it ... but interesting your post on it - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a loyal reader. And for your comments!
DeleteI love this film and found it intelligent, well acted and truly showed how corrupt the game show industry was back then. In fact, Vincent Price was on one of these shows to be tested on his passion, art. He was questioned and he said he was never fed the answers but Dr. Joyce Brother’s was(hers was on bowling).
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that there was such deceit going on. Good film to make it public again after so many years.
DeleteI remember Quiz Show. I saw it when I was fairly young but I was impressed with a story about a pretty bad scandal. Even as a kid I was interested in the concept of "fair play" and the 21 scandal would have pissed me off. I take quiz and trivia games probably too seriously. kingmengi.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. We should compete with what we know or the skills we have, and not be led around by someone else who wants a certain outcome. Thanks for visiting my blog!
DeleteIt's been so long since I've seen Quiz Show I can barely remember it. Time to watch it again.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good film. And Ralph Fiennes is perfect as Charlie.
Delete