Good Night, and Good Luck MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 Content: -1/2

This tribute to Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) reflects George Clooneys deep admiration for the 1950s newscaster whose legendary broadcasts closed with Good night and good luck. Clooney co-wrote the script, directed the film and plays a major role as Fred Friendly, Murrows friend and colleague at CBS. Murrows reputation soared as a no-nonsense reporter with his vivid descriptions of World War II. Later as the Cold War progresses into paranoia of Communism, Murrow convinces CBS executives to expose Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy as a witch hunter bent on destroying people remotely connected with Communism. This docudrama focuses on Murrows tenacious determination to bring down Senator McCarthy, the networks decision to risk their reputation, and the camaraderie among the reporters. Expect both a good night and good luck for this movie at the Academy Awards in February.

Filmed in black and white, Good Night, and Good Luck presents an authentic 1950s setting. Cigarette smoke permeates the screen as Murrow smokes while on camera during his television broadcasts and the newsroom and restaurants are thick with it. At that time, company policy at CBS would not allow a husband and wife to work for them, forcing two of the reporters, Shirley and Don Wershba (Patricia Clarkson, Robert Downey Jr.), to keep their marriage a secret. Actual news clips of the McCarthy hearings are used, preventing the filmmakers from making a caricature of the senator he does that on his own or otherwise exaggerating the events. Still, there is no attempt to show anything that justified the so-called witch hunt. The professionalism of Murrow, his passion for justice and his courage in taking on a powerful senator are admirable qualities. Theres no sex, nudity or violence, but two strong profanities prevent a positive acceptability rating from Preview.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Warner Independent