Monday Matinee: “Quiz Show” (1994) Screening
In the 1950s, the popular game show “Twenty-One” captivates audiences with its intellectual challenges and charismatic contestants. Charles Van Doren, a charming literature professor, becomes a national sensation with his impressive winning streak. However, behind the scenes, a dark secret lurks. The show’s producers, driven by ratings and ambition, have been rigging the game, providing Van Doren with the answers in advance. Herb Stempel, the previous champion forced to lose to Van Doren, becomes suspicious and eventually blows the whistle on the deception. As a congressional investigation unfolds, Van Doren faces a moral dilemma, forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the price of his newfound fame. “Quiz Show” delves into the scandal that rocked the nation, exploring themes of deception, ambition, and the corrupting influence of television in a rapidly changing American society.
Time: 12:00-2:00 pm EST
Free!