QUIZ SHOW (1994)

Trivia question: Which film is celebrating its 30th anniversary today?

Answer: QUIZ SHOW (1994)

QUIZ SHOW, a smart, subtle and ruthless drama was based on a true story of the Twenty-One quiz show scandal from the early days of TV. 

The film follows the investigation of an idealistic young lawyer (Rob Morrow) working for a Congressional subcommittee. Upon discovering that TV game shows may be fixed, he turns his attention to two contestants of Twenty-One, the disgruntled Herbert Stempel (John Turturro) and the charming literary aristocrat Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes).

It’s needs to be said that the film is infinitely more exciting than it may sound. 

Director Robert Redford infuses tension into a tightly plotted tale like a great detective story. Although there is no mystery, the fascination is in the labyrinth of corruption at a time when the medium of television was at its most innocent, free of skepticism from folks who didn’t question the images beamed into their living-rooms. 

Fine performances by all involved, which also includes Hank Azaria, Christopher McDonald and David Paymer. The film was featured on many critics’ lists of the top ten films of 1994. 

However, the film does take dramatic and historic liberties and isn’t without controversy itself. According to an interview with Steven Soderbergh in the LA TImes in 1997, he noted that he was originally slated to direct QUIZ SHOW. However, he was sought out by Wildewood Enterprises, Robert Redford’s production company, to develop a film which turned out to be KING OF THE HILL (1993). Redford was to be executive producer, and pushed Soderberg to start film production. Once KING OF THE HILL was filming, Soderberg found out that Redford dropped out of his involvement. At the same time he also found out he was dropped from QUIZ SHOW and that Redford was now be attached to direct. Soderberg felt that he was pushed into production only to be pushed off QUIZ SHOW. 

QUIZ SHOW is available on Disney+ and Hoopla.