Winchell (1998)

Synopsis: WINCHELL is director Paul Mazursky's biographical story of Walter Winchell, America's infamous gossip columnist who made his mark in the newspaper and radio industry during the 1930s, '40s, and '50s with his unique news coverage of both... WINCHELL is director Paul Mazursky's biographical story of Walter Winchell, America's infamous gossip columnist who made his mark in the newspaper and radio industry during the 1930s, '40s, and '50s with his unique news coverage of both entertainment and political events. Winchell was infamous for his cavalier attitude and his quick wit, pounding out punch lines at every turn of his radio show and leaving his audience desperate for more insider dirt. Considered by many to be the penultimate columnist-turned-celebrity, Winchell led life at a breakneck speed; a genius at media promotion and grandiose style, he became as legendary as many of the stars he wrote about. Despite his boundless ego, Winchell's political leanings varied, and when he chose to lend full support to Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s, his career ultimately faltered. Winchell's ghostwriter and longtime friend Herman Klurfeld (Paul Giamatti) stuck with him through his meteoric rise and fall from fame and wrote a biography of the journalist--WALTER WINCHELL: THE LIFE AND TIMES--on which the film is based. Stylishly filmed with a flair for the taste and culture of midcentury America, Mazursky's film allows Tucci to shine as Winchell, giving new life to his breathless banter. [More]

Starring: Stanley Tucci, Glenne Headly, Paul Giamatti, Christopher Plummer

Starring: Stanley Tucci, Glenne Headly, Paul Giamatti, Christopher Plummer

Director: Paul Mazursky

Director: Paul Mazursky
Composer: Bill Conti

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