When the BBC attempts to limit broadcasting of rock and roll in 1960s Britain, a renegade musician starts his own pirate radio station in international waters. Based on actual events. Also listed as The Boat That Rocked. [ Pirate Radio credits: Dir: Richard Curtis/ 117 min/ Music/Dance, Comedy/ Freedom of speech, Free press as hero, Government-enforced morality] This … [Read more...]
The Killing Fields (1984)
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST PICTURE A New York Times correspondent and his Cambodian guide brave the dangers of war and socialist atrocity to report the truth, and to protect each other. Based on a true story. [ The Killing Fields credits: Dir: Roland Joffe/ Sam Waterston, Dr. Haing S. Ngor, John Malkovich/ 141 min/ Action-Adventure/ Democide, Escape from Socialism, Free Press … [Read more...]
Word of Honor (1981)
A reporter is jailed for refusing to divulge a confidential source. [ Word of Honor credits: Dir: Mel Damski/ Karl Malden, Rue McClanahan, Ron Silver/ 93 min/ Drama/ Free Press as Hero] No trailer available. Judge: “No one’s trying to censor you!” Reporter: “Then what do you call this? You’re demanding that I reveal my source. In effect, you’re restraining me from … [Read more...]
All the President’s Men (1976)
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST PICTURE A pair of young Washington Post reporters uncover the Watergate scandal. Based on a true story. [ All the President's Men credits: Dir: Alan J. Pakula/ Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards/ 139 min/ Thriller/ Free Press as Hero, Corrupt Government] All the President's Men depicts events leading up to the Watergate … [Read more...]
Call Northside 777 (1948)
A reporter who investigates a curious classified ad ends up clearing a man erroneously convicted of murder. Based on a true story. [ Call Northside 777 credits: Dir: Henry Hathaway/ James Stewart, Richard Conte, Lee J. Cobb/ 111 min/ Drama/ Free Press as Hero] Note: the full film can typically be found online via YouTube or Google search. This terrific “free press” … [Read more...]
Knickerbocker Holiday (1944)
A corrupt city council and arrogant governor in early America are reformed by a newspaper editor with radical ideas of liberty. [ Knickerbocker Holiday credits: Dir: Harry Joe Brown/ Nelson Eddy, Charles Coburn, Constance Dowling/ 85 min/ Musical-Dance, Comedy/ Corrupt Government, American Revolution, Anti-Taxation] This film begins with the tongue-in-cheek proviso that … [Read more...]
Storm in a Teacup (1937)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS An old woman's refusal to pay for a dog license sets in motion a chain of events that humbles her local government. [ Storm in a Teacup credits: Dir: Victor Saville, Ian Dalrymple/ Vivien Leigh, Rex Harrison, Cecil Parker/ 87 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Free Press as Hero, Abuse of Power] “Oppression is never small.” So says the heroic … [Read more...]