Good Night, and Good Luck is the type of movie that compels you to seek further knowledge, so that makes it worthwhile. It encouraged me and after combing my bookshelves and the Internet, my knowledge of Joe McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow increased tenfold. Of course, with that additional information, I have to look at George Clooney’s black and white commentary a little differently.

The movie supposedly focuses on the battle that ensued between Senator Joe McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow (David) who used the CBS See It Now telecast to highlight the former’s unrelenting search for communist sympathizers in the 1940s and early 1950s. Making it a bit more interesting, Clooney used actual footage of McCarthy including the questioning of Annie Lee Moss who was mysteriously promoted from cafeteria cook to Pentagon code clerk. During McCarthy’s hunt, several government officials, as well as actors and other performers (Lena Horne, Paul Robeson, Charlie Chaplain, Leonard Bernstein) were accused of communist connections and were damaged personally and professionally.

However, Good Night, and Good Luck is really more of an examination of Murrow as the issues, such as the case of the discharged soldier Milo Radulovich and Ms. Moss were taken a bit out of context. There is factual information in the movie, but only in bits in pieces. That’s all right because it was a pleasure watching David Strathairn do what he does best on screen – appearing to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was magnetic, with his calm, steady voice; powerful words; and burning cigarette that was more like an appendage. Looking at footage of the real Murrow, David nailed him. Additionally, other cast members - - especially Robert Downey, Jr., Frank Langella, and Ray Wise - - were incredible.

For an interesting perspective on Edward R. Murrow, read Joe Wershba’s homage to the legendary broadcast journalist at http://www.evesmag.com/murrow.htm.