Scandal Sheet (1985)

Scandal Sheet Poster

The publisher of a celebrity gossip tabloid sets out to destroy an aging actor, whose career is foundering and who is also facing a battle with alcoholism.

Film Overview
"Scandal Sheet" is an American made-for-television movie launched in 1985. The movie is a drama-thriller, brought to life by well-known director David Lowell Rich, understood for his work in both tv and movie. The screenplay was composed by Howard Rodman, renowned for his contributions to Hollywood's scriptwriting landscape. The movie stars Burt Lancaster, Robert Urich and Lauren Hutton.

Plot
"Scandal Sheet" focuses on the character of Harold Fallen, played by Burt Lancaster, a hard-as-nails newspaperman who gets complete ownership of a decent paper, The New York Express. After assuming his position, he transforms the paper into a sensationalistic tabloid, much to the frustration of lots of employee, including Ben Rowan, portrayed by Robert Urich.

Rowan, an optimistic reporter, is appalled by his employer's doubtful ethics and callous method to journalism. He ends up being identified to bring down Fallen by exposing his deceitful practices and restoring the newspaper's stability. His examination leads him to a criminal plot that Fallen performed to gain control over the Express.

He discovers that Fallen might be implicated in the murder of Helen Grant, the spouse of the former owner of the New York Express, who was killed in a car crash, which was presumed to be an accident. Rowan suspects Fallen had a hand in it to get control of the paper. To unwind the truth and expose Fallen's plan, Rowan coordinate with an investigative tv press reporter, Helen Grant, played by Lauren Hutton.

Styles
"Scandal Sheet" delves into the world of dishonest journalism and tabloid media. It serves as a commentary on the ethical dilemmas dealt with in journalism and the quest for reality. The characters grapple with problems of journalistic stability, the tension between sensationalism and truth, and industrial success versus public service.

Performances and Reception
Burt Lancaster provides an effective performance as Harold Fallen, skillfully depicting the character's determined pursuit of sensationalism and disregard for journalistic principles. Robert Urich impressively portrays the character of Ben Rowan, a journalist having a hard time to bring back self-respect and reality to his profession. The vibrant between the 2 actors adds stress and drama to the story.

Upon its release, "Scandal Sheet" got mixed reviews. Some critics applauded the film for its expedition of the darker side of the newspaper market and its commentary on the ethical obstacles dealt with in journalism. Others discovered the story somewhat foreseeable and the character development doing not have.

In summary, "Scandal Sheet" is an intriguing film that daringly challenges the boundaries of ethics in journalism. Its expedition of power, corruption, and the pursuit of fact worldwide of news makes it a remarkable watch, particularly in a time of increasing disputes about the function of media in society. Its engaging efficiencies and remarkable narrative make it an unique piece in television movie history.

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