Network 1976 R, 120 min. Genre: Drama
Director: Sidney Lumet Cast: Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Beatrice Straight, Ned Beatty, Wesley Addy, Arthur Burghardt, Darryl Hickman, Lane Smith, Bill Burrows, John Carpenter, Jordan Charney, Kathy Cronkite, Ed Crowley
The United Broadcasting System decides to fire its dean of newscasters, Howard Beale (Peter Finch). His friend, network executive Max Schumacher (William Holden), announces that Beale is being fired, and Beale responds by telling the audience that he will be committing suicide on the next show. The head of the network, Frank Hackett (Robert Duvall), wants to get rid of Beale immediately–until he realizes that the network will have the highest ratings ever when Beale commits suicide on the air–and programming exec Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway) talks him into airing the show. The show goes on, but Hackett does not commit suicide and, instead, announces, "I'm mad as Hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" He is suffering a nervous breakdown, but the ratings of his television news show skyrocket, and Hackett becomes a TV icon. This film provides great satire on the greed inherent in television networks as they fight for top ratings. Oscars were won by Faye Dunaway (Best Actress), Peter Finch (Best Actor), and Beatrice Straight (Best Supporting Actress). Six nominations were also received, including Best Picture, Actor (William Holden), Supporting Actor (Ned Beatty) and Director.
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The Trial of Billy Jack 1974 PG, 175 min. Genre: Drama / Action / Thriller
Director: Tom Laughlin Cast: Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor, Victor Izay, George Aguilar, William Wellman Jr., Sacheen Littlefeather, Russell Lane, Michelle Wilson, Geo Anne Sosa, Lynn Baker, Teresa Kelly, Riley Hill, Sparky Watt, Bong Soo Han, Kathy Cronkite
In this sequel to "Billy Jack" (1971), the Indian reservation's Freedom School, under the guidance of Jean Roberts (Delores Taylor), is thriving. Half-breed Billy Jack is sentenced to four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. After serving his time, Billy Jack is released, and more problems are brewing at Freedom School. Racial prejudice against the Native American students causes Billy Jack to come to their aid–as he did in the original film–and his actions upset the governor. Now, the National Guard is sent to the school, and, once again, Billy Jack tries to save the day.
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| 1. Network (1976)
2. The Trial of Billy Jack (1974)
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