‘Quiz Show’ featured at September’s Movie Night at the Museum
A contestant on “Twenty-One,” Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes) seems to know it all. But does he? The Robert Redford-directed “Quiz Show” details the investigation, based on a true story.
The Northwest Montana History Museum hosts the next edition of its popular free movie nights Tuesday, Sept. 27. The featured film will be “Quiz Show,” directed by Robert Redford and based on the quiz show scandals of the late 1950s.
As one of the actors in the film says, “That little box in your living room is plugged into something crooked.”
The film focuses on Herbie Stempel (John Turturro), who’s winning big on NBC’s weekly quiz show “Twenty-One.” But show ratings are down, partly because Stempel’s constant victories take the drama out of the competition and also because Stempel is a rather drab personality.
The producers decide to take matters into their own hands by selecting the handsome Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes) to compete against Stempel. By providing Van Doren with the questions and answers, Van Doren’s victory is assured, and a more charismatic contestant helps ensure a climb in those all-important ratings. All is going well, until congressional lawyer Richard Goodwin (Rob Morrow) begins asking questions of his own.
The 1994 film is based on a chapter in the book “Remembering America: A Voice from the Sixties” by Richard Goodwin, who served as a producer of the film. It condenses into one year the investigation of several popular television quiz shows that dominated television screens and were found to be rigged.
Doors open at 6:50 p.m. with the film showing at 7 p.m. Admission and popcorn are free, but donations are gladly accepted to help defray the costs of showing the films. Soda pop, water, beer and wine are available for purchase. Seating is provided, but viewers can bring their own cushions or seating if they choose.
The next movie nights feature “Dracula” (Oct. 25) and “The Cowboys” (Nov. 29).
Located in the former Central School, the Northwest Montana History Museum brings the past alive through exhibits, artifacts, programs and events. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. For information, call 406-756-8381.