The Great Man

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.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:00