Citizen Hearst

Gr 9 Up—A hagiographic summary of publisher William Randolph Hearst's life segues into an examination of the multimedia empire he begot in this film directed by Leslie Iwerks and narrated by William H. Harvey. Beginning his career with the San Francisco Examiner in 1886, Hearst grew into one of the most influential men in the country, advocating for various social causes, supporting political candidates, and outfoxing competitors such as Joseph Pulitzer. Though he served as a voice for the poor, especially during the Great Depression, Hearst lived a life of opulence and excess at his palatial estate in San Simeon, CA. His heirs carried on his legacy and expanded the family business from newspapers into magazines, radio, and television. Save for a lingering shot of Burt Reynolds in the centerfold of Cosmopolitan magazine in the 1970s, this film could even be relevant for aspiring journalists in upper middle school. Of even greater interest to younger viewers, however, would be the fact that the 1992 Disney movie musical Newsies is based on the 1899 New York City newsboy strike against Hearst's and Pulitzer's papers. The film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Dan Rather, Mark Burnett, magazine editors, and others. Bonus segments include interviews with the Hearst family, tours of Hearst Tower in New York and the Hearst Castle in California, and more. The film will have niche appeal among high school students with an interest in a career in journalism.—Bernie Morrissey, The Harker School, San Jose, CA