Directed by Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon), The Network is often referred to as a satire, but as someone who has worked in the broadcast news industry, I hesitate to call it one. Sure it’s amped up the rage and ridiculousness, but the desire for ratings at all costs? The power-hungry executives who don’t give a damn about ethics or public service? The nonstop onslaught of bad news turning people from concerned to desensitized? Those are real and rampant, even now almost 50 years later, Network remains a relevant cautionary tale against the corporatization of humans and the exploitation of tragedy. The whipsmart script is performed by an excellent cast (the leads of which went on to win Academy Awards) and has given us solid, lasting lines like “Even the news needs showmanship,” and “You’re television incarnate, Diana.” Aaron Sorkin can only hope to pen those words.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Arthur Burghardt, Beatrice Straight, Conchata Ferrell, Darryl Hickman, Faye Dunaway, Fred Stuthman, Jordan Charney, Ken Kercheval, Kenneth Kimmins, Lance Henriksen, Lane Smith, Lee Richardson, Marlene Warfield, Michael Lombard, Ned Beatty, Paul Jenkins, Peter Finch, Pirie MacDonald, Robert Duvall, Roy Poole, Ted Sorel, Wesley Addy, William Holden, William Prince, Zane Lasky

Director: Sidney Lumet

Rating: R