Good Night and Good Luck Film Guide Questions

Good Night and Good Luck is a movie set in the 1950s. During this time, the country, many citizens and politicians were afraid of the upcoming superpower the Soviet Union (Russia) and the influences their ideals were having on our country. Many people were afraid that the Russians (communists) were infiltrating our society in an attempt to take over. Much like the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s, public hysteria fueled this fear. One man, Senator Joseph McCarthy, made it his job to reveal and persecute those who he thought were communists. People did not oppose him, as they feared his power and respected his views. At this time, Edward Murrow was a news personality in the newly founded television industry. As Murrow’s career in broadcasting soared, so did his ability to use the medium (tv) to his will. When no one questioned McCarthy and his doings, Murrow did. Good Night and Good Luck chronicles this battle between good and evil, and in doing so, changed the way news was written and reported.

Main Characters: Describe each character’s importance/role in the film.

Edward R. Murrow:

Fred Friendly:

Joseph Wershba:

William Paley:

Sig Mickelson:

Don Hollenbeck:

Don Hewitt:

During Movie Questions:

  1. What do you learn from the opening scene about the era when this movie takes place?

-What are your clues?

  1. One of the lines in his speech is, “Our history will be what we make it.” How does this relate to the people to whom he is speaking?
  1. What do you think it was like to work in the news department of CBS in the 1950s?

-What are some of the scenes that show this?

  1. What are some clues that Murrow and his producer, Fred Friendly, agree about coverage of the McCarthy situation?
  1. Who is Milo Radulovich?

-Why did Murrow and Friendly think it was important to cover his story?

  1. What are some early signs that some at CBS don’t totally agree with what Murrow and Friendly are doing?
  1. What is CBS boss William Paley’s reason Murrow and Friendly shouldn’t air the Milo Radulovich story?
  1. What do others who work with them think about the controversial programs Murrow and Friendly are doing?

-How can you tell this?

  1. What is the importance of the Don Hollenbeck subplot in the movie (the man who committed suicide)?

-What is Murrow’s relationship to him?

-What significance does his death play in the story?

  1. How can you tell Murrow, Friendly and their crew are somewhat nervous about airing the McCarthy program?
  1. What is the effect of using the actual film footage of McCarthy, Radulovich, Annie Lee Moss and others in this movie?
  1. Why do you think cigarettes and smoke seem to play such a major part in the movie?

-Why do you think the movie is in black and white?

  1. Some critics say the movie ends too abruptly. Do you see any indication of what will happen in the future?

Post Movie Questions:

1. Think about how the film develops a picture of Ed Murrow. What kind of character is he?

2. “We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty.” Ed Murrow

-Considering the above quote from Murrow, can you understand his course of action?

3. Does the film raise issues that still have relevance today? If so, what?

Post Movie Essay: Place your answer on a separate sheet of paper and skip lines.

Based on what you have seen and read, should Murrow and his staff taken on Senator McCarthy in his crusade against communism? Provide your CLAIM, EVIDENCE and REASONING (at least two supporting details) and a COUNTERARGUMENT.