Quiz Show
Seen it?1994 | 133 min | History, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Just Mercy or Bridge of Spies, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 13 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Herbert Stempel's transformation into an unexpected television personality unfolds as he secures victory on the cherished American game show, 'Twenty-One.' However, when the show introduces the highly skilled contestant Charles Van Doren to replace Stempel, it compels Stempel to let out his frustrations and call out the show as rigged. Lawyer Richard Goodwin steps in and attempts to uncover the orchestrated deception behind the scenes.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 92 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Award: Best Adapted Screenplay. Also nominated for 4 Oscars, 4 Golden Globes and 1 SAG Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$52 million worldwide on a $31 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 195K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Just Mercy Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved legal historical drama.
Bridge of Spies Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed legal drama.
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Sunday Safe BetAnother true-story historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Robert Redford
- John TurturroHerb Stempel
- Rob MorrowDick Goodwin
- Ralph FiennesCharles Van Doren
- Paul ScofieldMark Van Doren
- David PaymerDan Enright
- Hank AzariaAlbert Freedman
- Christopher McDonaldJack Barry
- Johann CarloToby Stempel
- Elizabeth WilsonDorothy Van Doren
- Allan RichRobert Kintner