In America, can a man be guilty until proven innocent? Suppose you picked up this morning’s newspaper and your life was a front page headline… and everything they said was accurate but not true. This is the dilemma that must be faced in this timely drama about the incredible power of the press. Michael Gallagher (played by Paul Newman in an Oscar®-nominated role) reads in the paper that he is the subject of a criminal investigation. Suddenly, everything he has ever worked for is in jeopardy. He confronts the author, Megan Carter (Sally Field), a relentless investigative reporter. Together they learn that the story was purposely leaked to Carter as part of a plot by the chief investigator. Gallagher’s life hangs in the balance as he and Carter try to uncover the truth.
Good engrossing movie with a good message that journalism can sometimes hurt innocent people. In some ways its the opposite of All the President’s Men. The movie was nominated for three Oscars including Best Original Screenplay. Megan Carter does lot of wrong things with her reporting though she is supposed to be a good person. She also has a romantic relationship with Michael Gallagher subject of her article.
Paul Newman was excellent as Michael Gallagher and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor. Sally Field was very good as Megan Carter, the investigative reporter. Bob Balaban was very good as Elliott Rosen. Melinda Dillon was excellent as Teresa Perrone in a small role and she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Don Hood was good as James K. Quinn. The rest of the cast was good too.
Recommended
P.S. This was originally a comment I made in May 2019.
