Common Sense Media Review
Outstanding drama about moral choices uses strong language.
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Why Age 14+?
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Quiz Show
What's the Story?
Based on a true story, QUIZ SHOW follows the inner workings of the NBC quiz show Twenty-One—one of the most popular programs in the late 1950s—as it faces one of the biggest scandals in TV history. The nation is gripped by Jewish everyman Herb Stempel's (John Turturro) winning streak, until the son of one of America's most distinguished literary families—Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes)—knocks him from the top spot. But a furious Stempel isn't stepping down quietly and becomes determined to reveal cheating behind the scenes, claiming that Van Doren and other contestants were given the answers in advance. The powerful producers try to brush the scandal under the table, but can congressional staff investigator Dick Goodwin (Rob Morrow) uncover the truth?
Is It Any Good?
This outstanding drama provides an excellent opportunity for examining the way that people make moral choices. In Quiz Show, Stempel cheats because he wants to be accepted and respected and because he believes that's the way the world works. Still, he's outraged when he finds out that he himself has been cheated. Meanwhile, fellow contestant Van Doren grapples with his own battle between having integrity and taking an easier shortcut. Even investigator Goodwin makes his own moral compromises when he tries to protect Van Doren. Some won't be able to sit through the talkiness of this philosophical movie. But those who do will be richly rewarded with plenty to discuss about morals, choices, class, big business, the early days of television, and so much more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about cheating and lying and how it affected the characters in Quiz Show. Why do you think Stempel agreed to cheat? Why did he tell the truth to the investigators? Why did Van Doren cheat? What influenced his decision about whether to come clean?
How does the film portray Jewish characters? How does it portray antisemitic views? Why is it important to acknowledge and challenge prejudice?
Who do you think was ultimately responsible for the "quiz show scandals"? Was the outcome fair? Who should have been punished, and how?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : September 7, 1999
- Cast : John Turturro , Ralph Fiennes , Rob Morrow
- Director : Robert Redford
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 133 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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