The Great Man 2015
Directed by
Sarah Petit
Made by
Distrib Films
Plot Summary
Joe Harris, a well-known radio news reporter with a penchant for sarcasm, finds himself in the spotlight after the unexpected death of the network’s star, Herb Fuller. Assigned by Philip Carleton, the president of the Amalgamated Broadcasting Network, Harris is tasked with creating a memorial extravaganza that includes a public viewing of Fuller’s coffin and a special tribute show featuring interviews with members of the “Fuller Family,” a group reminiscent of Arthur Godfrey’s show. In exchange for his efforts, a potential promotion to Fuller’s position is dangled before him.
As he navigates this somber task, Harris is aided by Nick Cellentano from public relations, growing increasingly intrigued by the peculiar remarks made by various attendees at the viewing who seem indifferent to the deceased broadcaster. In his pursuit of a more profound understanding, he encounters Sid Moore, Fuller’s long-time producer, who offers his support, keenly aware of Harris’s aspirations to fill Fuller’s shoes. With help from his secretary, Ginny, an investigation unfolds revealing the darker side of Fuller’s life—his struggles with alcoholism and a notorious reputation for womanizing, all of which juxtapose the glamorous image presented to the public.
In a surprising turn, Harris meets Paul Beaseley, owner of a small Christian station in New England, who shares his story of hiring Fuller, reminiscing about his initial admiration for Fuller’s poetry, only to later unearth the unsavory truths about him. Harris also learns about the complex relationships Fuller had with various women, including the show’s alcoholic singer, Carol Larson, along with the conflicting interests shown towards song publishers featured on Fuller’s program. Adding a layer of irony, bandleader Eddie Brand, played by actual bandleader Russ Morgan, strives to secure his future in Harris’s potential new show by recording a disingenuous tribute to Fuller.
As the moments unfold, Moore binds Harris to a contract but soon reveals more scandalous tales about Fuller, leading Carleton to intervene and caution Harris of Moore’s duplicity. He informs Harris that the network is plotting to skew his chances negatively. Faced with the daunting task of constructing a narrative, Harris grapples with the decision to uphold the charming facade that the public adored or to expose the truth that lies beneath it.
When the broadcast begins, Harris makes a pivotal decision, discarding his meticulously prepared script to speak candidly about Herb Fuller. As Carleton and Moore witness this turn of events, Moore realizes Harris’s intentions and attempts to tear up the contract while urging Carleton to halt the broadcast. However, Carleton recognizes the value in Harris’s honesty, choosing to allow the broadcast to continue, explaining that public opinion can be swayed in favor of a man who stands for truth, just as easily as it was manipulated to create Fuller’s false image.
Timeline
Unexpected Death of Herb Fuller
The film begins with the shocking death of Herb Fuller, the star broadcaster of Amalgamated Broadcasting Network. His demise sets off a chain reaction of events within the network, impacting several individuals connected to him.
Assignment of the Memorial Extravaganza
Joe Harris, a sarcastic radio reporter, receives his assignment from Philip Carleton, the network president. He is tasked with creating a memorial extravaganza to honor Fuller, which includes a public viewing and a special tribute show.
Public Viewing of Herb Fuller
The public viewing of Fuller's coffin takes place, drawing a large crowd. However, Harris notices a peculiar indifference among attendees, stirring his intrigue about the legacy of Fuller.
Meet Sid Moore
Harris meets Sid Moore, Fuller's long-time producer, who offers to help him navigate through the memorial planning. With aspirations for Fuller's position, Harris is encouraged by Moore's willingness to share insights on Fuller’s life.
Investigation of Fuller's Life
With the assistance of his secretary, Ginny, Harris begins an investigation into Fuller's darker side. He uncovers details about Fuller's alcoholism and notorious womanizing, contrasting sharply with the public persona presented.
Encounter with Paul Beaseley
Harris has a conversation with Paul Beaseley, who owns a small Christian station. Beaseley recounts his experiences of initially admiring Fuller, only to discover troubling truths about him later on.
Carol Larson's Connection
The narrative deepens as Harris learns about Carol Larson, an alcoholic singer who had a complex relationship with Fuller. This revelation adds layers to the controversies surrounding Fuller's personal life.
Eddie Brand's Tribute
Eddie Brand, a bandleader and friend of Harris, aims to secure his position in the future show by creating a tribute to Fuller. This act, however, is perceived as disingenuous, reflecting the strained atmosphere surrounding Fuller's legacy.
Moore's Scandalous Revelations
As Moore continues to bind Harris to a contract, he divulges more scandalous tales about Fuller. This raises concerns for Harris as he contemplates the ethical implications of his portrayal of Fuller.
Network's Intervention
Carleton intervenes, warning Harris about the potential manipulations in his narrative. The network aims to control the public perception of Fuller, placing Harris in a moral quandary.
Pivotal Broadcast Decision
As the broadcast begins, Harris makes a crucial decision to abandon his scripted tribute. He chooses instead to speak authentically about Fuller, revealing the hidden truths he has uncovered.
The Realization of Honesty
Moore realizes Harris's intentions during the broadcast and attempts to intervene. However, Carleton sees value in this honesty and allows Harris to continue despite the potential fallout.
Public Opinion Shift
The broadcast continues with Harris speaking candidly. Carleton contemplates the power of truth in shaping public opinion, suggesting it can be swayed away from the false image of Fuller.
Final Reflections
In the aftermath, Harris reflects on the implications of telling the truth versus maintaining an idealized facade. The events surrounding Fuller's death become a catalyst for Harris’s own personal and professional growth.
Characters
Joe Harris
Joe Harris is a seasoned radio news reporter characterized by his sharp wit and sarcasm. Initially focused on his career advancement, he undergoes a profound transformation as he grapples with the ethical implications of his reporting. His candid decision during the broadcast marks a pivotal moment in embracing honesty over ambition.
Philip Carleton
Philip Carleton, the president of the Amalgamated Broadcasting Network, represents the corporate side of media. He is depicted as a strategic leader who recognizes the power of public perception. Carleton's decision to support Harris's truthful broadcast reflects an evolution in his character, valuing integrity over sensationalism.
Sid Moore
Sid Moore, Fuller's long-time producer, is characterized by his knowledge of the darker aspects of Fuller's life. He serves as both a supporter and a manipulator, revealing the intricacies of industry relationships. Moore's actions ultimately serve to highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by those within the media for personal gain.
Setting
Time period
The film reflects a contemporary setting of the broadcasting industry, hinting at the societal values and norms around media during its time. It evokes a period of transformation in the media landscape, where personal stories and authenticity began to play a more crucial role in public broadcasting.
Location
Amalgamated Broadcasting Network, New England
The Amalgamated Broadcasting Network serves as a central hub for radio news reporting. Known for its influential broadcasts, it holds a significant role in shaping public opinion. New England, where Paul Beaseley’s station is located, is characterized by its rich cultural heritage in radio broadcasting and storytelling.
Themes
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Truth vs. Facade
The struggle between maintaining a charming facade versus revealing the truth is central to the narrative. Joe Harris’s journey highlights the conflict inherent in media portrayal, questioning the ethics of journalism. The film ultimately advocates for transparency and the necessity of confronting uncomfortable realities.
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Struggles with Addiction
Herb Fuller’s hidden struggles with alcoholism serve as a stark contrast to his public persona. This theme emphasizes the impact of addiction on personal and professional relationships, showcasing the complexity of the human experience behind the glamour of broadcasting.
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