Friday, January 31, 2025

Finally Friday - September 5 (the film)


 Munich 1972

Olympics

September 5 - a day the terrorist group Black September invaded the Israeli rooms in the Olympic Village, they killed, took hostages, made demands, and the sports viewing public saw the tragedy unfold before us thanks to ABC coverage. 

The film September 5 is a stirring, fast paced ninety minute recounting of how a normal sports coverage broadcast day became THE top news story of its time. Peter Sarsgaard plays Roone Arledge, the sports director. He recognizes that he and his sports crew have the inside angle and wherewithal to scramble for the best reporting.   

Keep in mind it's 1972. No cell phones. Filming is done on big reels. Graphics are hand cut letters. CBS has some key satellite usage times and ABC has to negotiate for it. This was not a 24/7 instant news world.  

So, not only is the actual story sadly gripping, but just observing the  technology of the time is "entertaining".  I found myself holding my breath at times, even though I knew the outcome. And tears welled up at anchor Jim McKay's words.    At the end, Ray said, "Wow, that was really good." 

September 5 is a very worthy film to watch.  Kudos to the ensemble cast and the production crew. 

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