Herbert Stempel's transformation into an unexpected television personality unfolds as he secures victory on the cherished American game show, 'Twenty-One.' However, when the show introduces the highly skilled contestant Charles Van Doren to replace Stempel, it compels Stempel to let out his frustrations and call out the show as rigged. Lawyer Richard Goodwin steps in and attempts to uncover the orchestrated deception behind the scenes.
Acting
Turturo's sweaty desperation vs Fiennes' porcelain collapse.
Direction
Redford's sterile 50s aesthetic slowly curdles into rot.
Writing
Dialogue so crisp you'll need a cigarette after.
Director
Robert Redford
John Turturro
Herb Stempel
Rob Morrow
Dick Goodwin
Ralph Fiennes
Charles Van Doren
Paul Scofield
Mark Van Doren
David Paymer
Dan Enright
Hank Azaria
Albert Freedman
Christopher McDonald
Jack Barry
Johann Carlo
Toby Stempel
Elizabeth Wilson
Dorothy Van Doren
Allan Rich
Robert Kintner
Mira Sorvino
Sandra Goodwin
George Martin
Chairman
Paul Guilfoyle
Lishman
Griffin Dunne
Account Guy
Michael Mantell
Pennebaker
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Herb Stempel consulted on set and reportedly hated Fiennes for being too handsome to play him.
This killed game shows for decades—no joke, Congress literally investigated TV after this scandal.
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