This clip, from the 1976 movie “Network,” gave me goosebumps. Of course I’ve heard the famous, “I’m mad as hell” line, but I’ve never seen the movie. This clip I found on Youtube sends a much more powerful message:
I am surprised by how prophetic Mr. Howard Beale’s words were. Notice how the clueless audience applauds at the end, like it was all just a silly performance.
A few perceptive folks could see how bad things were 30 years ago, and it’s only gotten worse now. We gotta wake up folks.
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7 users commented in " We’re Mad as Hell, and We’re not Going to Take it Anymore! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackAaron Sorkin (of West Wing fame) write a very similar speech for Judd Hirch’s character in the opening scene of the Pilot for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It was amazing. I was hooked on the show from that minute. I couldn’t get the you tube link to work to post it here but go look for it. His key line, “America, we’re being lobotomized!” It was genius and they refer to Network throughout the whole pilot. It was a very smart show, which is one of the reasons it failed I’m sure.
But, what does it have to do with the price of rice.
Great clip, thanks
It was prophetic wasn’t it? I wonder if we will ever listen. Now to take it one step further, we have “reality” TV and so many young poeple think that New York and Flav a flav are really searching for love. It’s sad isn’t it?
Thanks for posting this.
Keep sending that message about the USA waking up. I have been watching this debacle for 57 years and our nation is dying a slow death from within. When we have to have a quick infusion of cash to prop the banks up; when our infrastructure like bridges collapsing and nationwide blackouts occur; when our food sources are less important than big business making billions….those are just the warning signs. If I can see all that, then it is already too late. (No, I am not toting a sign saying “the end is near” LOL).
Given enough time, anything anyone said on TV or movies can be considered prophetic. Look at how many times people refer to Star Wars as the greatest commentary of the future (current) world.
“It’s just $%#$@ entertainment!”
Rudy, you have a point.
But is it the effect of time, or perhaps prescient fears of our collective unconscious expressing themselves through our mass media?
This dirges up memories. The famous British actor who portrayed Howard Beale appeared on the Johnny Carson show a few days after release of the Network film, then died of a heart attack the next day.
But, his “Mad as Hell” words liver ever-on.
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