George Clooney / 2005 / USA / 35mm / 93 mins / cert PG
(Sat 18th-Thu 23rd / various times / £4/3/2ttt)

Clooney's multi Oscar nominated jewel is less a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of American broadcasting (an era in no small part spearheaded by his own father, the veteran newsman Nick Clooney) than a timely political statement about the control of free speech in the media by large corporations and their political interests.

Following the true life events of broadcaster Edward R Murrow's onscreen attempts to hold legendary commie-basher Senator Joseph McCarthy accountable for his political action, the film simultaneously demonstrates the importance and power of the media in political debate from the mid-20th century onwards, as well as shown the bravery and commitment shown by the newsmen of the era. It also begs the question: where are you now, Edward Murrow?