Business Ethics in Motion Pictures - Saint Louis University
Business Ethics in Motion Pictures - Saint Louis University
Business Ethics in Motion Pictures - Saint Louis University
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Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong><br />
prepared by Elizabeth Hilton & Jutta Nenn<strong>in</strong>ger<br />
Contents<br />
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL? ………………2<br />
CLASS ACTION<br />
DISCLOSURE<br />
PHILADELPHIA<br />
SCHINDLER’S LIST<br />
DARK SECRETS………………………….4<br />
CHINA SYNDROME<br />
QUIZ SHOW<br />
SILKWOOD<br />
FAMILY TIES…………………………….7<br />
CITY OF HOPE<br />
THE LITTLE FOXES<br />
HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU………8<br />
CADILLAC MAN<br />
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS<br />
TIN MEN<br />
HOT OFF THE PRESSES……………...10<br />
ABSENCE OF MALICE<br />
BROADCAST NEWS<br />
CITIZEN KANE<br />
NETWORK<br />
THE PAPER<br />
LET’S PLAY BALL !…………………..13<br />
EIGHT MEN OUT<br />
HOOP DREAMS<br />
THE PROGRAM<br />
MAXIMIZE SHAREHOLDER’S<br />
WEALTH?…………………………………16<br />
THE HUDSUCKER PROXY<br />
OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY<br />
ROGER & ME<br />
WALL STREET<br />
MOVIN’ ON UP……………………………19<br />
NINE TO FIVE<br />
STRICTLY BUSINESS<br />
WORKING GIRL<br />
NEGOTIATE, BARGAIN, STRIKE…….21<br />
HOFFA<br />
NORMA RAE<br />
ON THE WATERFRONT<br />
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN………..23<br />
FAT MAN AND LITTLE BOY<br />
GUNG HO<br />
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON<br />
RISING SUN<br />
TUCKER: THE MAN AND HIS DREAM<br />
BIBLIOGRAPHY…………………………27<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 1 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL?<br />
Class Action<br />
A negligent automobile maker hires a woman, Maggie Ward (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), to<br />
defend its position aga<strong>in</strong>st a consumer advocate attorney who also happens to be Maggie’s father.<br />
On a personal level, the two play a game of wits to outdo each other and to chalk one up for their<br />
client. She feels her father’s “under dog” support is a way to build up his own self esteem. He<br />
feels his daughter’s support is too vigorous for big bus<strong>in</strong>ess. This illustrates a conflict between an<br />
attorney’s oath to provide vigorous legal representation and the obligation as a human be<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
protect each other from harm.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
To what degree does an attorney have to set aside personal biases to vigorously defend the client?<br />
What is the effect of sexual harassment or romantic <strong>in</strong>volvement between a superior and<br />
subord<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong> the workplace?<br />
Does a company have an obligation to disclose a product’s potential dangers to its customers?<br />
Drama, 1991<br />
Rated R, Color, 109 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Michael Apted<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Col<strong>in</strong> Friels Michael Grazier<br />
Gene Hackman Jedediah Tucker Ward<br />
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio Maggie Ward<br />
Joanna Merl<strong>in</strong> Estelle Ward<br />
Disclosure<br />
Disclosure, adapted from Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name, takes the audience <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
dark side of corporate America. Tom Sanders (Michael Douglas) is a happily married man with<br />
two children and a promis<strong>in</strong>g career at Digicom, a high-tech computer company. Sanders is <strong>in</strong><br />
the runn<strong>in</strong>g for a major promotion, which would make him a fortune <strong>in</strong> stock options.<br />
Sanders is shocked when someone from the outside gets the position <strong>in</strong>stead. He is even more<br />
surprised when he f<strong>in</strong>ds out Meredith Johnson (Demi Moore), a former lover, is the outside<br />
person.<br />
Johnson <strong>in</strong>vites Sanders up to her office for an after hours meet<strong>in</strong>g and tries to seduce him.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>gs get out of hand, but Sanders ultimately resists Johnson’s advances. Johnson files sexual<br />
harassment charges aga<strong>in</strong>st Sanders. An outraged Sanders files a counter suit. Digicom’s<br />
management supports Johnson and tries to force Sanders out. Sanders becomes <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> a web<br />
of bus<strong>in</strong>ess politics and secrets orchestrated by the company’s CEO (Donald Sutherland).<br />
In the end, Disclosure focuses more on office politics, greed, and corporate set-ups, than sexual<br />
harassment.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 2 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
How should an employee handle sexual advances by a superior? Should management always<br />
take the side of the women <strong>in</strong> cases of sexual harassment? Is sexual harassment <strong>in</strong> the work<br />
place more about power or sex?<br />
In the age of electronic communication, what should a company do to avoid employees abus<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the e-mail system?<br />
How far should management go to force an employee out?<br />
Drama, 1994<br />
Rated R, Color, 125 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Barry Lev<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Michael Douglas Tom Sanders<br />
Carol<strong>in</strong>e Goodall Susan Hendler<br />
Roma Maffia Cather<strong>in</strong>e Alvarez<br />
Dennis Miller Mark Lewyn<br />
Demi Moore Meredith Johnson<br />
Donald Sutherland Bob Garv<strong>in</strong><br />
Philadelphia<br />
A timely film with AIDS related illnesses affect<strong>in</strong>g more people than ever. Liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Philadelphia, this is the story of a young, homosexual attorney, Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks)<br />
who is HIV positive. Hid<strong>in</strong>g the symptoms of Karposi’s Syndrome and see<strong>in</strong>g his doctors dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his vacation, Andrew is sure his secret will not be revealed to his law firm. However, soon after<br />
his medical record mysteriously disappears, he is abruptly fired for <strong>in</strong>competence.<br />
Andrew decides to sue his former employer, Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards), for<br />
discrim<strong>in</strong>ation. No attorney will take his case, however, except an ambulance chas<strong>in</strong>g JD named<br />
Joe Miller (Denzel Wash<strong>in</strong>gton). Reluctant at first, Miller eventually forms a deep bond with<br />
Andrew and successfully litigates the case <strong>in</strong> Andrew’s favor.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Is a bus<strong>in</strong>ess ethically responsible for prohibit<strong>in</strong>g discrim<strong>in</strong>ation?<br />
Does the legal system have a greater burden to act legally than another bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
Does the attorney’s oath to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> confidentially disappear <strong>in</strong> matters <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g employees<br />
(who are not clients of the law firm)?<br />
Should a medical condition affect employment?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 3 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Drama, 1995<br />
Rated PG 13, Color, 119 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Jonathan Demme<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Antonio Banderas Miguel Alvarez<br />
Tom Hanks Andrew Beckett<br />
Ron Vawter Bob Seidman<br />
Denzel Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Joe Miller<br />
Sch<strong>in</strong>dler’s List<br />
This highly acclaimed movie (w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g seven Academy Awards) is the fact based story of Oskar<br />
Sch<strong>in</strong>dler (Liam Neeson). In the early 1940’s, he goes <strong>in</strong>to bus<strong>in</strong>ess produc<strong>in</strong>g pots and pans for<br />
the German troops. Ironically, Sch<strong>in</strong>dler uses the cheap labor of Hitler’s condemned Jews to run<br />
his factory. Sch<strong>in</strong>dler’s plan is to make money but as time goes on and Sch<strong>in</strong>dler witnesses the<br />
atrocities and <strong>in</strong>humanity of the Nazis to the Jews, he becomes emotionally and personally<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the bus<strong>in</strong>ess to protect his Jewish workers.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
To what degree ethically may a bus<strong>in</strong>ess use its employees?<br />
Who has more to ga<strong>in</strong> or to lose - - a large well to do company or its <strong>in</strong>dividual employees?<br />
Is an opportunistic bus<strong>in</strong>ess ethical for gett<strong>in</strong>g rich at the expense of slave labor?<br />
Historical/Drama, 1993<br />
Rated R, Color and Black & White, 185 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Steven Spielberg<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Ralph Fiennes Amon Goeth<br />
Carol<strong>in</strong>e Goodall Emilie Sch<strong>in</strong>dler<br />
Ben K<strong>in</strong>glsey Itzhak Stern<br />
Liam Neeson Oskar Sch<strong>in</strong>dler<br />
DARK SECRETS<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a Syndrome<br />
Despite a motion picture cast with well known actors and actresses, this movie should not be<br />
called top quality. Nevertheless, it is of <strong>in</strong>terest as it questions various bus<strong>in</strong>ess ethical po<strong>in</strong>ts.<br />
Also, its tim<strong>in</strong>g was unnerv<strong>in</strong>g as the plot parallels an actual event (the Three Mile Island<br />
disaster) that occurred with<strong>in</strong> weeks of Ch<strong>in</strong>a Syndrome’s release.<br />
The story focuses on Kimberly Wells (played by Jane Fonda) an eager, energetic TV reporter and<br />
her camera man Richard Adams (Michael Douglas). They are <strong>in</strong> the process of <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
nuclear power <strong>in</strong>dustry and specifically a plant <strong>in</strong> California. Also <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> the plot is Jack<br />
Lemmon, the plant eng<strong>in</strong>eer whose quick actions prohibit a nuclear meltdown at one of the<br />
plants. The executives attempt to cover up the <strong>in</strong>cident and Jack Lemmon’s efforts to be honest<br />
with the public result <strong>in</strong> Lemmon’s death at the hands of the police.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 4 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Does a company have an obligation to be honest and truthful dur<strong>in</strong>g/after a crisis?<br />
What is the public will<strong>in</strong>g to sacrifice for <strong>in</strong>expensive, available energy? other <strong>in</strong>expensive<br />
products?<br />
What <strong>in</strong>formation does the public have a right to know? (Consider as another example:<br />
genetically eng<strong>in</strong>eered foods.)<br />
Drama, 1979<br />
Rated PG, Color, 123 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director James Bridges<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Wilford Brimley Ted Sp<strong>in</strong>dler<br />
Michael Douglas Richard Adams<br />
Jane Fonda Kimberly Wells<br />
Jack Lemmon Jack Godell<br />
Quiz Show<br />
The early television game shows tested the contestant’s knowledge, at least that is what the public<br />
thought. Quiz Show details the game show scandal of the 1950’s focus<strong>in</strong>g on “Twenty-One”.<br />
Charles Van Doren (Ralph F<strong>in</strong>nes), of the prom<strong>in</strong>ent Van Doren literary family, auditioned for<br />
Tic-Tac-Dough, another NBC quiz show, but Dan Enright (David Paymer) and Albert Freedman<br />
(Frank Azaria), the producers of “Twenty-One.” believed Van Doren was just the k<strong>in</strong>d of person<br />
America wanted to see w<strong>in</strong> on “Twenty-One.”<br />
Charles needed to defeat the current champion, Herbert Stempel (John Turturro), whose rat<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
had begun to plateau. Enright and Freedman made sure Van Doren would be the w<strong>in</strong>ner. The<br />
rat<strong>in</strong>gs soared, NBC and Geritol (the sponsor of “Twenty-One”) were thrilled, Herbert Stempel<br />
was not.<br />
Questions were raised about the game shows be<strong>in</strong>g fixed and a congressional oversight<br />
committee <strong>in</strong>vestigator, Dick Goodw<strong>in</strong> (Rob Morrow), decided to put television on trial.<br />
What is a company’s obligation to the public?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
If the public appears to be happy with a product (i.e. a game show contestant) is the company<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g a service to the public by ensur<strong>in</strong>g the success of the product (contestant)?<br />
If an organization uses sponsors, how much of an <strong>in</strong>fluence should the sponsors have over the<br />
organization?<br />
What motivates and employee to take ‘the fall’ for a company?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 5 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Drama, 1994<br />
Rated PG-13, Color, 133 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Robert Redford<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Hank Azaria Albert Freedman<br />
Ralph F<strong>in</strong>nes Charles Van Doren<br />
Rob Morrow Dick Goodw<strong>in</strong><br />
David Paymer Dan Enright<br />
John Turturro Herbert Stempel<br />
Silkwood<br />
Another motion picture depict<strong>in</strong>g the nuclear energy <strong>in</strong>dustry as evil. Based on a true story, the<br />
hero<strong>in</strong>e, Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), is a blue collar worker at the Kerr-McGee plutonium<br />
and uranium fuel plant. She worked there for two years and was contam<strong>in</strong>ated by radiation:<br />
plutonium <strong>in</strong> her lungs. Aware that the company was careless about its safety standards, she<br />
presents claims of irregularities to the Atomic Energy Commission. Karen was about to talk to a<br />
reporter with the New York Times about Kerr-McGee’s falsification of records. On her way to the<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g, she dies <strong>in</strong> a car crash. The movie <strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>uates that someone may have <strong>in</strong>tentionally<br />
caused this accident because of her imm<strong>in</strong>ent whistle blow<strong>in</strong>g. The company is eventually shut<br />
down.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
What is a company’s obligation to the health and safety of its employees?<br />
Does a bus<strong>in</strong>ess with life threaten<strong>in</strong>g “products” have a greater obligation to adhere to safety<br />
standards than any other bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
What does the shut down of an irresponsible company mean to other employees dependent on<br />
these jobs?<br />
Who should accept hazardous jobs? What factors should an employee consider before tak<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
potentially hazardous job?<br />
When the company is at fault, is the whistle blower subject to retribution?<br />
Historical/Drama, 1983<br />
Rated R, Color, 128 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Mike Nichols<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Cher Dolly<br />
Kurt Russell Drew<br />
Meryl Streep Karen Silkwood<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 6 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
FAMILY TIES<br />
City of Hope<br />
This cynical, realistic drama is set <strong>in</strong> a fictitious New Jersey city and <strong>in</strong>volves the lives of more<br />
than thirty characters. The plot <strong>in</strong>tertw<strong>in</strong>es the characters around an urban development plan.<br />
The lead actor is Nick Spano the son of a local construction contractor. With a job from his<br />
father requir<strong>in</strong>g no effort, Nick is addicted to various vices and easily follows a path to even more<br />
trouble. Just about everyone <strong>in</strong> the city is connected and these connections are greased by greed,<br />
corruption, and dishonesty.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Does an <strong>in</strong>dividual have to “play along” to accomplish his/her goals? To succeed?<br />
Can a good person prevail <strong>in</strong> a corrupt system?<br />
When bribes <strong>in</strong>hibit competition, what are the other negative outcomes?<br />
Drama, 1991<br />
Rated R, Color, 129 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director John Sayles<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Anthony John Denison Maggie Renzi<br />
Tony Lo Bianco V<strong>in</strong>cent Spano<br />
John Sayles Joe Morton<br />
David Strathaim Angela Bassett<br />
The Little Foxes<br />
Set <strong>in</strong> the South, this movie explores human relationships, greed, ruthlessness and treachery. The<br />
story <strong>in</strong>volves a sister, Reg<strong>in</strong>a Hubbard Giddens (Betty Davis), and her brothers Ben Hubbard<br />
(Charles D<strong>in</strong>gle) and Oscar Hubbard (Carl Benton Reid). Ben and Oscar need money to build a<br />
cotton mill which will be operated by cheap labor. They ask Reg<strong>in</strong>a for the money but Reg<strong>in</strong>a’s<br />
estranged husband Horace Giddens (Herbert Marshall) refuses due to his opposition to the<br />
exploitation of cheap labor.<br />
The brothers conspire to steal negotiable bonds from Horaces’s vault. Reg<strong>in</strong>a discovers this and<br />
eventually blackmails her brothers to acquire more than 50% of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> return for keep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the theft quiet. Reg<strong>in</strong>a also causes Horace to have a heart attack and <strong>in</strong>tentionally, without<br />
conscience, lets him l<strong>in</strong>ger towards death.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Is a company justified exploit<strong>in</strong>g cheap labor to create a profit for its owners?<br />
What personal sacrifices are acceptable to become a successful bus<strong>in</strong>ess leader?<br />
Is sensitivity to humanity required <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 7 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Drama, 1941<br />
Rated No Rat<strong>in</strong>g, Black & White, 116 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director William Wyler<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Richard Carlson David Hewitt<br />
Bette Davis Reg<strong>in</strong>a Hubbard Giddens<br />
Herbert Marshall Horace Giddens<br />
Teresa Wright Alexandra Giddens<br />
HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU…<br />
Cadillac Man<br />
Joey O’Brien (Rob<strong>in</strong> Williams) is a once-successful car salesman <strong>in</strong> New York, who has his<br />
hands full. He has several personal problems (all related to women) and he is about to lose his<br />
job unless he sells twelve new cars <strong>in</strong> two days.<br />
O’Brien fits the stereotype of a used car salesman who will do anyth<strong>in</strong>g to sell a car. The movie<br />
opens <strong>in</strong> a cemetery with him attempt<strong>in</strong>g to sell a car to an undertaker, and fail<strong>in</strong>g that, he<br />
attempts to sell it to the widow of the man that was just buried!<br />
The climax of the movie occurs when O’Brien is forced to use his fast talk<strong>in</strong>g talent to save his<br />
life and the lives of others. The jealous husband (Tim Robb<strong>in</strong>s) of one of the front office workers<br />
crashes through the dealership’s w<strong>in</strong>dow on a motorcycle with an AK-47 tak<strong>in</strong>g everyone<br />
hostage.<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
How far should a salesperson go to sell a product?<br />
How does someone separate his/her personal problems from his/her work?<br />
Comedy/Drama, 1990<br />
Rated R, Color, 97 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Roger Donaldson<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Fran Drescher Joy Munchack<br />
Zack Norman Harry Munchack<br />
Pamela Reed T<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Tim Robb<strong>in</strong>s Larry<br />
Annabella Sciorra Donna<br />
Rob<strong>in</strong> Williams Joey O'Brien<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 8 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Glengarry Glen Ross<br />
Glengarry Glen Ross is David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g play depict<strong>in</strong>g an office of has<br />
been real estate salesmen fight<strong>in</strong>g to save their jobs.<br />
The only way the salesmen can get a good lead is to close the old leads, which is next to<br />
impossible. Those who can’t do the impossible, will be fired.<br />
Mamet delves <strong>in</strong>to the anxiety of the various salesmen (Jack Lemmon, Al Pac<strong>in</strong>o, Ed Harris, and<br />
Alan Ark<strong>in</strong>) and what lengths they are will<strong>in</strong>g to go to to close a lead.<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
What is an employee will<strong>in</strong>g to do to save his/her job, let alone achieve success?<br />
Is the threat of be<strong>in</strong>g fired successful motivation?<br />
What does an employee do when he/she is no longer an effective worker?<br />
Drama, 1992<br />
Rated R, Color, 100 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director James Foley<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Alan Ark<strong>in</strong> George<br />
Alec Baldw<strong>in</strong> Blake<br />
Ed Harris Dave<br />
Jack Lemmon Shelley<br />
Al Pac<strong>in</strong>o Ricky<br />
Jonathan Pryce James<br />
Kev<strong>in</strong> Spacey John<br />
T<strong>in</strong> Men<br />
What is it about alum<strong>in</strong>um sid<strong>in</strong>g salesman that generates such negative connotations? It must<br />
have someth<strong>in</strong>g to do with the history associated with the <strong>in</strong>dustry. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, “t<strong>in</strong><br />
men” ran rampant mak<strong>in</strong>g false promises and produc<strong>in</strong>g slip shod work. T<strong>in</strong> Men is a comedy<br />
about BB (Richard Dreyfuss) and Tilley (Danny DeVito) who feud, argue and try to out do each<br />
other throughout the movie. Each man sells alum<strong>in</strong>um sid<strong>in</strong>g and th<strong>in</strong>ks noth<strong>in</strong>g of deceiv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>nocent customers. The feud keeps escalat<strong>in</strong>g; BB attempts to one up Tilley by sleep<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
Tilley’s wife.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
When <strong>in</strong>dividual salesman scam customers, what does this do to the reputation of the <strong>in</strong>dustry?<br />
To the profession?<br />
What place do high pressure sales techniques have <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 9 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Comedy, 1987<br />
Rated R, Color, 112 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Barry Lev<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Danny DeVito Tilley<br />
Richard Dreyfuss BB<br />
Barbara Hershey Nora<br />
John Mahoney Moe<br />
HOT OFF THE PRESSES<br />
Absence of Malice<br />
Megan Carter (Sally Field) is an aggressive, ambitious newspaper reporter look<strong>in</strong>g for a scoop.<br />
While <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g the disappearance of a union leader, she writes a front page story <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that Michael Gallagher (Paul Newman) is a primary suspect <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>vestigation of the miss<strong>in</strong>g<br />
person. Michael’s bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>volves the liquor <strong>in</strong>dustry but his <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> the disappearance<br />
of the union man is unfounded. In fact, this <strong>in</strong>formation was <strong>in</strong>tentionally leaked by the<br />
government <strong>in</strong> their attempt to solve the crime. Michael is <strong>in</strong>nocent. Michael’s only revealed<br />
connection is that his dead father was a Mafia leader and his uncle was a top official <strong>in</strong> the<br />
organization.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
To what lengths should the authorities (“the system”) go to solve a crime?<br />
How should the media check the validity of a story before go<strong>in</strong>g to press?<br />
What are the implications and can an <strong>in</strong>vestigator rema<strong>in</strong> unbiased when romantically <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
with the subject?<br />
Does the media have an obligation to consider or protect an <strong>in</strong>dividual’s privacy?<br />
Drama, 1981<br />
Rated PG, Color, 116 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Sydney Pollack<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Bob Balaban Rosen<br />
Mel<strong>in</strong>da Dillon Teresa<br />
Sally Field Megan Carter<br />
Paul Newman Michael Gallagher<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 10 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Broadcast News<br />
The media under scrut<strong>in</strong>y <strong>in</strong> this motion picture is television. Broadcast News exam<strong>in</strong>es the way<br />
that TV deals with the news and the newscasters. The plot <strong>in</strong>volves three characters: Aaron<br />
(played by Albert Brooks) is a knowledgeable and dedicated newsman; Tom (played by William<br />
Hurt) while handsome and always look<strong>in</strong>g the part, lacks Aaron’s brightness; and, f<strong>in</strong>ally Jan<br />
(played by Holly Hunter) the savvy, assertive woman who produces the broadcast. Beyond the<br />
operational look <strong>in</strong>to a TV newscast, the movie is about a love triangle between Jane, Aaron, and<br />
Tom. She likes Aaron’s <strong>in</strong>telligence and Tom’s physique. In the end, which is more important?<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Does bus<strong>in</strong>ess have a responsibility to value <strong>in</strong>telligence as much as physical attractiveness?<br />
Can a workaholic have a personal life?<br />
How “female” does a successful, professional woman have to be?<br />
What is the public’s responsibility <strong>in</strong> consider<strong>in</strong>g substance over appearance?<br />
Comedy/Romance, 1987<br />
Rated R, Color, 131 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director James L. Brooks<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Albert Brooks Aaron Altman<br />
Lois Chiles Jennifer Mack<br />
Holly Hunter Jane Craig<br />
William Hurt Tom Grunick<br />
Citizen Kane<br />
Citizen Kane tells the story of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles). The country is fasc<strong>in</strong>ated by<br />
his wealth, success, and life-style. Upon his death, one newspaper decided to try to understand<br />
Kane, one of the richest men <strong>in</strong> the world, by uncover<strong>in</strong>g the mean<strong>in</strong>g of his dy<strong>in</strong>g word,<br />
“Rosebud.”<br />
Kane’s orig<strong>in</strong>al fortune was determ<strong>in</strong>ed when he was a child. His parents came <strong>in</strong>to some stock,<br />
once believed to be worthless, but <strong>in</strong> actuality, worth a large fortune. His mother sent him off to<br />
be reared by Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotton) <strong>in</strong> order to give him a chance <strong>in</strong> life she did not feel<br />
she could.<br />
Kane was given every advantage <strong>in</strong> his ‘new’ life. He attended the best schools, had the f<strong>in</strong>est<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs, and was given numerous opportunities on a silver platter. Yet, he seemed to be lack<strong>in</strong>g<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g money could not buy. The key to his happ<strong>in</strong>ess lied <strong>in</strong> the word “Rosebud.”<br />
What exactly can money buy?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Should a bus<strong>in</strong>ess be cont<strong>in</strong>ued if it does not make a profit?<br />
Should newspapers only report facts or should they pr<strong>in</strong>t speculations if it <strong>in</strong>creases sales?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 11 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Drama, 1941<br />
Not Rated, Black & White, 119 m<strong>in</strong><br />
Director Orson Welles<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Ray Coll<strong>in</strong>s Jim Geddes<br />
Dorothy Com<strong>in</strong>gore Susan Alexander<br />
Joseph Cotten Jedediah Leland<br />
George Coulouris Walter Parks Thatcher<br />
Agnes Moorehead Mrs. Kane<br />
Ruth Warrick Emily Norton<br />
Orson Welles Kane<br />
Network<br />
Network looks beh<strong>in</strong>d the scenes at the United Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g System (UBS), a prom<strong>in</strong>ent<br />
television station obsessed, as many must be, by Neilson rat<strong>in</strong>gs. A veteran TV anchorman,<br />
Howard Beale (played by Peter F<strong>in</strong>ch) announces that he <strong>in</strong>tends to commit suicide on his last<br />
scheduled broadcast because he can’t bear the thought of be<strong>in</strong>g fired. His rat<strong>in</strong>gs soar and UBS<br />
creates a “new star” who rants and raves each night about urban chaos. The female executive,<br />
Faye Dunaway, who is responsible for air<strong>in</strong>g the show becomes successful; the executive who<br />
resisted the show, William Holden, is fired.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
How much power does the TV media have and what obligation does the public have to control<br />
TV’s <strong>in</strong>fluence?<br />
Does everyth<strong>in</strong>g shown on TV news have significance by virtue of its selection to be broadcast?<br />
How ethical is it for the media to exploit man’s voyeurism and evil nature?<br />
What is the significance of different news venues?<br />
Is it ethical to sensationalize? To take advantage of emotionalism?<br />
Drama, 1975<br />
Rated R, Color, 121 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Sidney Lumet<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Faye Dunaway Diana Christensen<br />
Robert Duvall Frank Hackett<br />
Peter F<strong>in</strong>ch Howard Beale<br />
William Holden Max Schumacher<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 12 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
The Paper<br />
Yet another motion picture which the bus<strong>in</strong>ess of the news media -- this time, the pr<strong>in</strong>t media -- is<br />
scrut<strong>in</strong>ized. The story’s ma<strong>in</strong> character is Henry Hackett (played by Michael Keaton) who is the<br />
city editor at The New York Sun, a tabloid paper. While <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g for a job at a compet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
paper, Henry steals <strong>in</strong>sider <strong>in</strong>formation about a shoot<strong>in</strong>g crime. The <strong>in</strong>formation is scheduled to<br />
be the headl<strong>in</strong>e news <strong>in</strong> the next issue of the Sun. But before morn<strong>in</strong>g, Henry discovers the<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation is false, contacts his manag<strong>in</strong>g editor with the revelation and after a brawl <strong>in</strong> the pr<strong>in</strong>t<br />
room a new and correct edition of The Sun is pr<strong>in</strong>ted.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Are the rights of m<strong>in</strong>orities overlooked more readily than others <strong>in</strong> society?<br />
What place does sensationalism or tabloids have <strong>in</strong> the pr<strong>in</strong>t media bus<strong>in</strong>ess? Is this really<br />
enterta<strong>in</strong>ment?<br />
Should the media have greater prohibitions aga<strong>in</strong>st steal<strong>in</strong>g and plagiarism than everyone else?<br />
Drama, 1995<br />
Rated R, Color, 112 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Ron Howard<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Glenn Close Alicia Clark<br />
Robert Duvall Bernie White<br />
Michael Keaton Henry Hackett<br />
Marisa Tomei Martha Hackett<br />
LET’S PLAY BALL<br />
Eight Men Out<br />
Eight Men Out details the true story of the Chicago “Black Sox” throw<strong>in</strong>g the 1919 World Series<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st the C<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>nati Reds. The team was perhaps the best <strong>in</strong> the history of baseball, yet it was<br />
an easy target for some well f<strong>in</strong>anced gamblers. The White Sox owner, Charles ‘Commi’<br />
Comiskey was a greedy, selfish owner who did not pay his players their worth and failed to<br />
deliver promised bonuses.<br />
Arnold Rothstien, one of Chicago’s <strong>in</strong>famous mobsters, saw an opportunity to take advantage of<br />
the players dissatisfaction with Comiskey’s treatment of the team. A fix of the series was set <strong>in</strong><br />
which eight players accepted bribes (Buck Weaver ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed his <strong>in</strong>nocence until his death).<br />
The fix was exposed, and the team and baseball were put on trial. As the trail progressed, many<br />
wondered what was more fixed, the series or the trial.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 13 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Is be<strong>in</strong>g treated unfairly grounds for illegal and unethical behavior?<br />
What are an employer’s obligations to his/her employees?<br />
Should an employee with rare and special talents be treated differently?<br />
Should an organization be held responsible for the actions of its members?<br />
Drama, 1988<br />
Rated PG, Color, 119 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director John Sayles<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits John Cusack Buck Weaver<br />
Don Harvey Swede Risberg<br />
Clifton James Charles Comiskey<br />
John Mahoney Kid Gleason<br />
James Read Lefty Williams<br />
Michael Rooker Chick Gandil<br />
Charlie Sheen Hap Felsch<br />
David Strathairn Eddie Cicotte<br />
D.B. Sweeney "Shoeless" Joe Jackson<br />
Studs Terkel Hugh Fullerton<br />
Hoop Dreams<br />
Hoop Dreams is the documentary of two fourteen year old <strong>in</strong>ner-city boys, William Gates and<br />
Arthur Agee, as they pursue their dreams to play <strong>in</strong> the NBA. Both are recruited to St. Joseph’s<br />
High School, a Catholic prep school known for its basketball program.<br />
The film documents their triumphs and their disappo<strong>in</strong>tments for five years. The audience is<br />
taken <strong>in</strong>to the boys’ homes to meet their families and understand their problems, as well as <strong>in</strong>to<br />
their schools to see how they are treated and how they react both <strong>in</strong> the classroom and on the<br />
basketball court.<br />
While this is a film about basketball, it is also about the somewhat shady bus<strong>in</strong>ess of high schools<br />
and colleges scout<strong>in</strong>g and recruit<strong>in</strong>g potential stars. St. Joseph’s gave both boys scholarships as<br />
freshman. When Arthur did not play up to their expectations, and his family hit extremely<br />
difficult f<strong>in</strong>ancial times, his scholarships were not extended. He was forced to leave St. Joseph’s<br />
and attend an <strong>in</strong>ner-city public school. The family was then hounded for back tuition. In the end,<br />
this decision would turn out to be very ironic for St. Joseph’s.<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Are high school and college basketball programs an extra curricular activity or a bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
What are some schools will<strong>in</strong>g to do to w<strong>in</strong>?<br />
What do the schools and the coaches get from a w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g team?<br />
Which is more important, the well-be<strong>in</strong>g of the athlete or w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Do you abandon an athlete who does not live up to expectations?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 14 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Documentary, 1994<br />
Rated PG-13, Color, 165 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Steve James<br />
The Program<br />
Film Facts<br />
College football has become big bus<strong>in</strong>ess and is no longer just about ball players, cheerleaders,<br />
alumni and school spirit. The seamier side of this sport and the pressure to w<strong>in</strong> are well<br />
dramatized <strong>in</strong> The Program. The ma<strong>in</strong> character is Coach Sam W<strong>in</strong>ters (James Caan) who has<br />
had a few loos<strong>in</strong>g seasons. W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g is of paramount importance <strong>in</strong> the new season if the coach is<br />
to keep his job. W<strong>in</strong>ters bends the rules to achieve victory. Among his players and problems are:<br />
promises to Darnell Jefferson (Omar Epps) that he will get an education despite the fact<br />
that football is given greater priority<br />
<strong>in</strong>effectively address<strong>in</strong>g steroid use by Lattimer (Andrew Brnyiarski)<br />
jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the media hype over Joe Kane (Craig Sheffler), a potential Heisman Trophy<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ner who suffers from emotional problems.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Is it ethical for an academic <strong>in</strong>stitution to regard learn<strong>in</strong>g as secondary to sports?<br />
Does a manager have an obligation to become personally <strong>in</strong>volved with his/her subord<strong>in</strong>ates?<br />
What is the appropriate, ethical manner <strong>in</strong> which a bus<strong>in</strong>ess handles substance abuse?<br />
Sports/Drama, 1993<br />
Rated R, Color, 114 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director David S. Ward<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Halle Berry Autumn<br />
James Caan Coach Sam W<strong>in</strong>ters<br />
Omar Epps Darnell Jefferson<br />
Craig Sheffer Joe Kane<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 15 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
MAXIMIZE SHAREHOLDER’S WEALTH?<br />
The Hudsucker Proxy<br />
Norville Barnes (Tim Robb<strong>in</strong>s) is a recent graduate of The Muncie School of <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istration. He f<strong>in</strong>ds his way <strong>in</strong>to the wacky mailroom of Hudsucker Industries (the only<br />
place that required no experience). Just as Barnes enters Hudsucker, War<strong>in</strong>g Hudsucker (Charles<br />
Durn<strong>in</strong>g), the CEO, exits via the forty-fourth floor (not count<strong>in</strong>g the mezzan<strong>in</strong>e) board room<br />
w<strong>in</strong>dow after hear<strong>in</strong>g a glow<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial review of the company.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce War<strong>in</strong>g Hudsucker had no known will, all of his stock (86%) will be offered to the public<br />
on the first day of the next fiscal year (January 1). Sidney Mussburger (Paul Newman) develops<br />
a scheme to devalue the stock, so the board can by it up cheap on January 1.<br />
As part of his plan, Mussburger decides to put someone who is <strong>in</strong>competent <strong>in</strong>to the position of<br />
president. Barnes, on an important mailroom mission, meets Mussburger and shows him an idea<br />
of a product for the company. The idea is a piece of paper with a circle drawn on it (“You know,<br />
for kids”), that Barnes has been work<strong>in</strong>g on for a couple of years. Mussburger decides Barnes<br />
must be a complete imbecile, and appo<strong>in</strong>ts him President of Hudsucker Industries.<br />
Amy Archer (Jennifer Jason-Leigh) a newspaper reporter (with a strong resemblance to Kathryn<br />
Hepburn) sets out to uncover Barnes for the fraud he is. Barnes still has that “circle” idea. No<br />
one should count him out yet…..<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
How does a company recover from unexpected tragedies with<strong>in</strong> the corporate structure?<br />
Is attempt<strong>in</strong>g to devalue stock ever an appropriate corporate goal?<br />
Should a company ever produce a product they expect to fail?<br />
Comedy, 1994<br />
Rates PG-13, Color, 111 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Joel and Ethan Coen<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Charles Durn<strong>in</strong>g War<strong>in</strong>g Hudsucker<br />
Jennifer Jason Leigh Amy Archer<br />
Tim Robb<strong>in</strong>s Norville Barnes<br />
John Mahoney Chief<br />
Paul Newman Sidney J. Mussburger<br />
Jim True Buzz<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 16 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Other People’s Money<br />
Lawrence Garfield (Danny DeVito), a.k.a. “Larry the Liquidator”, claims that he is <strong>in</strong> the<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess of maximiz<strong>in</strong>g shareholders wealth. He f<strong>in</strong>ds companies that are worth more to the<br />
shareholder ‘dead’ then ‘alive’, and he ‘kills’ them.<br />
Larry’s current target is New England Cable & Wire, a profitable company (with several<br />
divisions) <strong>in</strong> Rhode Island that boasts that it has been debt free s<strong>in</strong>ce the depression. Larry<br />
approaches Andrew “Jorgy” Jorgenson (Gregory Peck), NEC&W’s CEO, as a concerned<br />
shareholder, and tells him to get rid of the cable and wire division. Jorgy refuses, concerned with<br />
the fate of the employees and the community the plant supports, if the division were to close.<br />
Larry will not take no for an answer and plans a corporate takeover. Jorgy hires his step-daughter<br />
Kate Sullivan (Penelope Ann Miller) as NEC&W’s lawyer to fend Larry off. Kate w<strong>in</strong>s an <strong>in</strong>itial<br />
confrontation with Larry’s team of seventeen lawyers, but does not th<strong>in</strong>k she can stop the<br />
takeover. Jorgy decides he will leave the decision up to a proxy vote. He can count on the 30%<br />
of shares owned by himself, his employees, and long-time friends, can’t he?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Should maximiz<strong>in</strong>g shareholder’s wealth always be the first priority of a company?<br />
Is the impact of clos<strong>in</strong>g a plant <strong>in</strong> a community more important than the bottom l<strong>in</strong>e?<br />
Is it wrong to “look out for yourself” and sell your loyalty?<br />
Comedy, 1991<br />
Rated R, Color, 101 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Norman Jewison<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Danny De Vito Lawrence Garfield<br />
Dean Jones William J. Coles<br />
Piper Laurie Bea Sullivan<br />
Penelope Ann Miller Kate Sullivan<br />
Gregory Peck “Jorgy" Jorgenson<br />
Roger & Me<br />
Roger & Me is Roger Moore’s <strong>in</strong>cisive documentary about the aftermath of the clos<strong>in</strong>g of eleven<br />
General Motors plants <strong>in</strong> Fl<strong>in</strong>t, Michigan. Throughout the film, Moore attempts to <strong>in</strong>terview<br />
Roger Smith, the chairman of GM, and br<strong>in</strong>g him back to Fl<strong>in</strong>t to see the wide spread devastation<br />
to the community result<strong>in</strong>g from his decision to move over 30,000 jobs out of Fl<strong>in</strong>t. Moore<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduces the audience to several affected residents of Fl<strong>in</strong>t as well as several of the preposterous<br />
attempts at br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g life back to his home town.<br />
Although Moore fails to even come close to <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g Roger Smith, he is not will<strong>in</strong>g to give<br />
up. Moore made an agreement with Warner Brothers and Famous Players to always leave one<br />
seat <strong>in</strong> the theater empty, just <strong>in</strong> case Roger Smith wishes to see what he has done to Fl<strong>in</strong>t for<br />
free.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 17 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
What is a corporation’s responsibility to the community <strong>in</strong> which it lives?<br />
Is if fair to assign blame to the leader of a corporation for the company’s actions?<br />
What will happen to America if more companies move their plants out of the country to reduce<br />
labor costs?<br />
Film Facts<br />
Documentary/Comedy, 1989<br />
Rated R, Color, 87 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Michael Moore<br />
Wall Street<br />
Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is a young, hungry stockbroker <strong>in</strong> New York who dreams of mak<strong>in</strong>g it<br />
big. Fox is obsessed with sell<strong>in</strong>g stock to Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a high roll<strong>in</strong>g<br />
corporate raider. Fox is eventually granted a meet<strong>in</strong>g with Gekko, after much persistence and a<br />
box of Havana cigars.<br />
Fox, <strong>in</strong> an attempt to impress Gekko, offers some <strong>in</strong>sider <strong>in</strong>formation he received from his father<br />
(Mart<strong>in</strong> Sheen), a hard work<strong>in</strong>g union man. Gekko, mak<strong>in</strong>g money off the <strong>in</strong>formation, is<br />
pleased and sets up an account with Fox.<br />
Gekko wants results from Fox, no matter what it takes. Of course, Fox will be rewarded nicely<br />
with lavish gifts and a high rise apartment. Fox’s ill-ga<strong>in</strong>ed, meteoric rise is <strong>in</strong>evitably followed<br />
by an equally precipitous fall.<br />
Is it worth break<strong>in</strong>g the law to succeed’?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Once an employee engages <strong>in</strong> illegal activities, how does he/she stop?<br />
How much is enough?<br />
How can the power and glamour of success conv<strong>in</strong>ce someone to betray their beliefs and their<br />
family?<br />
Drama,1987<br />
Rated R, Color, 124 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Oliver Stone<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Michael Douglas Gordon Gekko<br />
Daryl Hannah Darien Taylor<br />
Hal Holbrook Lou Mannheim<br />
Charlie Sheen Bud Fox<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Sheen Carl Fox<br />
Terence Stamp Sir Larry<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 18 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
MOVIN’ ON UP<br />
N<strong>in</strong>e to Five<br />
This wacky comedy romp <strong>in</strong>volves three secretaries employed by a treacherous, egotistical,<br />
tyrannical boss: Mr. Hart (Dabney Coleman). Lilly Toml<strong>in</strong> plays Violet Newstead, an <strong>in</strong>telligent,<br />
efficient worker, who is passed over for promotions by the men she has tra<strong>in</strong>ed. Dolly Parton is<br />
Mr. Hart’s secretary, and Jane Fonda, who just entered the workforce after a divorce, holds a<br />
clerical position. Each frustrated and angry <strong>in</strong> her situation, the three beg<strong>in</strong> a caper to kidnap Mr.<br />
Hart. With Mr. Hart tied up to a chandelier <strong>in</strong> his own house, the three women manage the office.<br />
Institut<strong>in</strong>g vast changes, many sympathetic to work<strong>in</strong>g women (i.e., flexible hours, availability of<br />
day care), the three also offer equal pay and m<strong>in</strong>ority opportunities. The bus<strong>in</strong>ess is immensely<br />
successful. Of course Mr. Hart eventually gets back to the office. Then he is identified as the<br />
culprit who has been embezzl<strong>in</strong>g money from the company.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Are m<strong>in</strong>orities as capable of management as white males?<br />
Is revenge an appropriate avenue when a person has been discrim<strong>in</strong>ated aga<strong>in</strong>st?<br />
What social obligation does management have to employees besides wages?<br />
Comedy, 1980<br />
Rated PG, Color, 110 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Col<strong>in</strong> Higg<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Dabney Coleman Frankl<strong>in</strong> Hart, Jr.<br />
Jane Fonda Judy Bernly<br />
Lily Toml<strong>in</strong> Violet Newstead<br />
Dolly Parton Doralee Rhodes<br />
Strictly <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Waymen T<strong>in</strong>esdale, III (Joseph C. Phillips) is an ambitious African-American executive <strong>in</strong> a<br />
large Manhattan real estate firm who is determ<strong>in</strong>ed to be promoted to partner. Bobby Johnson<br />
(Tommy Davidson) is a mail-room clerk from Harlem with a fast lifestyle who is count<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
Waymen to get him <strong>in</strong>to the firm’s management tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program.<br />
While <strong>in</strong> the midst of the biggest deal of his career, Waymen briefly meets Natalie (Halle Berry),<br />
the women of his dreams. Bobby happens to know Natalie and makes a deal with Waymen.<br />
Bobby will arrange for Waymen to meet Natalie aga<strong>in</strong>, and Waymen will get Bobby <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
management tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program. There is just one catch, Waymen needs to make it to partner to<br />
fulfill his end of the barga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
A jealous co-worker David (David Marshall Grant), who believes Waymen is up for the<br />
promotion because the company needs a ‘token’ African-American partner, tries to sabotage<br />
Waymen’s deal. David uses his authority to coerce a member of the tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program to change<br />
the f<strong>in</strong>ancial figures on Waymen’s proposal.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 19 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Should an employee sabotage the well be<strong>in</strong>g of a company out of jealousy and personal<br />
satisfaction?<br />
Should race be a factor <strong>in</strong> promotions?<br />
Is it appropriate to exert bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>fluence for personal ga<strong>in</strong>s?<br />
What should a subord<strong>in</strong>ate do when asked to do someth<strong>in</strong>g unethical by a supervisor?<br />
Romance, 1991<br />
Rated PG-13, Color, 83 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Kev<strong>in</strong> Hooks<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Halle Berry Natalie<br />
Tommy Davidson Bobby<br />
David Marshall Grant David<br />
Anne Marie Johnson Diedre<br />
Joseph C. Phillips Waymon<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g Girl<br />
Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) has the ambition and great <strong>in</strong>vestment ideas to be a successful<br />
executive <strong>in</strong> the Manhattan brokerage house <strong>in</strong> which she works. Unfortunately, she is a<br />
secretary from Staten Island whose appearance and background do not exactly match the<br />
corporate culture. In the hopes of f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g her way out of the secretarial pool, she shares her<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment ideas with her unscrupulous boss, Cather<strong>in</strong>e Parker (Sigourney Weaver).<br />
When Cather<strong>in</strong>e breaks her leg on a ski<strong>in</strong>g trip, Tess discovers that Cather<strong>in</strong>e had been plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to use her ideas for her own. In Cather<strong>in</strong>e’s absence, Tess transforms herself <strong>in</strong>to a high class<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess executive and masquerades as the firm’s representative.<br />
Tess arranges to meet Jack Tra<strong>in</strong>er (Harrison Ford), an executive with the client that Cather<strong>in</strong>e<br />
was go<strong>in</strong>g to steal Tess’ idea for. Tess and Jack team up to attempt to pull off the deal.<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g Girl deals with the frustration of work<strong>in</strong>g hard to move ahead and the obstacles which<br />
can get <strong>in</strong> the way.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Should an employee’s background and appearance affect promotability if the employee would<br />
otherwise be successful <strong>in</strong> the position?<br />
What actions are acceptable when a supervisor is plann<strong>in</strong>g to use a subord<strong>in</strong>ate’s ideas for their<br />
own?<br />
Is be<strong>in</strong>g deceptive an appropriate way to get ahead?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 20 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Romance, 1988<br />
Rated R, Color, 113 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Mike Nichols<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Alec Baldw<strong>in</strong> Mick Dugan<br />
Harrison Ford Jack Tra<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Melanie Griffith Tess McGill<br />
Olympia Dukakis Personnel Director<br />
Sigourney Weaver Cathar<strong>in</strong>e Parker<br />
NEGOTIATE, BARGAIN, STRIKE<br />
Hoffa<br />
James R. Hoffa dedicated his career (some may say his life) to further<strong>in</strong>g the organization of the<br />
Teamsters Union. The movie opens to Hoffa (Jack Nicholson) and Bobby Ciaro (Danny DeVito),<br />
a long time bus<strong>in</strong>ess associate and friend, <strong>in</strong> a roadside café park<strong>in</strong>g lot, wait<strong>in</strong>g for a meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
While wait<strong>in</strong>g, Ciaro flashes back to many of the important moments <strong>in</strong> Hoffa’s crusade.<br />
Hoffa believed <strong>in</strong> the Teamsters and the power of collective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. In the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />
Teamsters were not widely accepted by many truckers, and def<strong>in</strong>itely not accepted by the<br />
truck<strong>in</strong>g company owners, so Hoffa set out to change the system and show the truckers what the<br />
Teamsters could do for them.<br />
In order to achieve his goal, Hoffa made some questionable bus<strong>in</strong>ess associates, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Mafia. Hoffa’s actions, and the actions of the Teamsters were not always legal, but Hoffa<br />
believed that he did what he had to <strong>in</strong> order to make the Teamsters an effective barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g union.<br />
Do the ends justify the means?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
Is violence acceptable when negotiations don’t produce the desired results?<br />
What happens when a leader loses sight of the orig<strong>in</strong>al goal?<br />
How can a leader’s desire for personal power affect the organization?<br />
Drama, 1992<br />
Rated R, Color, 138 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Danny DeVito<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Kev<strong>in</strong> Anderson Bobby Kennedy<br />
Armand Assante Mafia leader<br />
Danny DeVito Bobby Ciaro<br />
Jack Nicholson Jimmy Hoffa<br />
J.T. Walsh Frank Fitzsimmons<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 21 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Norma Rae<br />
This film’s hero<strong>in</strong>e is Norma Rae (Sally Field), a young textile worker from the South who is<br />
recruited by a union organizer, Reuben (Ron Leibman), to rally her coworkers <strong>in</strong>to form<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
union. This task is a tough one as the management of the factory <strong>in</strong> which she works is<br />
unappreciative and dictatorial over its employees. Workers at the mill have few benefits and<br />
harsh work<strong>in</strong>g conditions often lead<strong>in</strong>g to brown lung disease. Management wants noth<strong>in</strong>g to do<br />
with a union and takes extreme measures to elim<strong>in</strong>ate the threat of one form<strong>in</strong>g. In the end,<br />
Norma gets the support she needs from her coworkers workers and grows personally <strong>in</strong> the<br />
process.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Does a company have an ethical duty to treat its employees well?<br />
What rights does an employee have?<br />
Is a company responsible for health hazards on the job? If so, what precautions should a<br />
company be required to take?<br />
Drama, 1979<br />
Rated PG, Color, 113 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Mart<strong>in</strong> Ritt<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Beau Bridges Sonny<br />
Sally Field Norma Rae<br />
Pat H<strong>in</strong>gle Father<br />
Ron Leibman Reuben<br />
On The Waterfront<br />
The waterfront <strong>in</strong> On The Waterfront is controlled by Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb), the corrupt<br />
leader of the dockers union. Johnny’s union serves him more than its members. Every day, all of<br />
the workers show up for work but not everyone gets a fair opportunity to get a job for the day. It<br />
seems the same people are always gett<strong>in</strong>g work.<br />
When Joey Doyle, one of the workers, is go<strong>in</strong>g to talk to the Crime Commission about the illegal<br />
practices of Friendly, he is murdered. Terry Malloy unknow<strong>in</strong>gly (Marlon Brando) helps <strong>in</strong> the<br />
setup for the murder, and f<strong>in</strong>ds himself <strong>in</strong> an awkward situation as he beg<strong>in</strong>s to have feel<strong>in</strong>gs for<br />
Joey’s sister, Edie (Eva Marie Sa<strong>in</strong>t).<br />
What should a union do for its workers?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
How does an employee stand up to a union that does not appear to be work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his/her favor?<br />
What should an employee do if he/she wants to leave an organization with illegal practices, yet<br />
has no where else to f<strong>in</strong>d work?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 22 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Drama, 1954<br />
Not Rated, Black & White, 108 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Elia Kazan<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Marlon Brando Terry Malloy<br />
Lee J. Cobb Johnny Friendly<br />
John Hamilton "Pop" Doyle<br />
Rod Steiger Charley Malloy<br />
Eva Marie Sa<strong>in</strong>t Edie Doyle<br />
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN<br />
Fat Man and Little Boy<br />
This recreation of the Manhattan Project <strong>in</strong> the early 1940’s and the mak<strong>in</strong>g of the atomic bomb<br />
casts Paul Newman as General Groves and Dwight Schultz as J. Robert Oppenheimer.<br />
Oppenheimer is the controversial, supremely <strong>in</strong>telligent <strong>in</strong>dividual responsible for conceiv<strong>in</strong>g this<br />
weapon of mass destruction. Groves is the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative leader given the project assignment.<br />
The team is on a very tight timel<strong>in</strong>e with limited uranium. The sacrifices of these few and their<br />
families will have timeless repercussions.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
How does an <strong>in</strong>dividual set aside his/her own moral beliefs to complete a “bus<strong>in</strong>ess assignment”?<br />
What means are justified for a leader to direct a self-motivated group to project completion?<br />
Is it ethical to allocate resources to an “unknown” at the expense of the known?<br />
Historical/Drama, 1989<br />
Rated PG-13, Color, 126 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Roland Joffe<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Bonnie Bedelia Kitty Oppenheimer<br />
John Cusack Michael Merriman<br />
Paul Newman Leslie R. Groves<br />
Dwight Schultz J. Robert Oppenheimer<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 23 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Gung Ho<br />
Hunt Stevenson (Michael Keaton) travels abroad to Japan to conv<strong>in</strong>ce the Japanese company that<br />
just closed down the plant he worked at <strong>in</strong> Hanleyville, Pennsylvania to re-open the plant.<br />
Stevenson discovers the numerous cultural differences between American workers and Japanese<br />
workers. He realizes that he needs to adapt to the Japanese way if he is to save his job and the<br />
future of the plant.<br />
Once back <strong>in</strong> America, the Japanese executive assigned to ensur<strong>in</strong>g the success of the plant<br />
(Gedde Watanebe) f<strong>in</strong>ds his job on the l<strong>in</strong>e if he can not f<strong>in</strong>d a way to <strong>in</strong>crease the American<br />
worker’s productivity. Stevenson and the Japanese executive f<strong>in</strong>d a way to work together to<br />
succeed.<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
How does a company’s culture affect how a bus<strong>in</strong>ess is managed?<br />
Can a company’s (or country’s) culture be adopted by an outside organization? If so, how is it<br />
accomplished?<br />
Is there only one correct way to run a bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
Comedy, 1986<br />
Rated PG-13, Color, 111 m<strong>in</strong><br />
Director Ron Howard<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Michael Keaton Hunt Stevenson<br />
Geede Watanabe Kazihiro<br />
George Wendt Buster<br />
Mimi Rogers Audrey<br />
John Turturro Willie<br />
Mr. Smith Goes to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
This classic movie is the story of Jefferson Smith (played by James Stewart) a beloved, decent,<br />
idealistic man who goes to Wash<strong>in</strong>gton to complete an <strong>in</strong>terim term as a U.S. Senator. The<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess highlighted <strong>in</strong> this motion picture is the U.S. government, largely portrayed with its<br />
share of greedy, crooked, ruthless politicians.<br />
Smith writes a bill to create a national boy’s camp. Other politicians conspire to derail Smith’s<br />
plans with plans to build a useless dam and make personal profits <strong>in</strong> the process. The film’s<br />
primary theme is that good will persevere over evil and that evil perseveres by the <strong>in</strong>action of<br />
good people.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
Power, <strong>in</strong>fluence and money are effective components to achieve one’s ends. Are they mutually<br />
exclusive of humanity and decency?<br />
Can an ord<strong>in</strong>ary person become successful?<br />
What is leadership?<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 24 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Political, 1939<br />
No Rat<strong>in</strong>g, Black & White, 129 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Frank Capra<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits J. Edward Arnold Jim Taylor<br />
Jean Arthur Saunders<br />
Claude Ra<strong>in</strong>s Sen. Joseph Pa<strong>in</strong>e<br />
James Stewart Jefferson Smith<br />
Ris<strong>in</strong>g Sun<br />
Two police detectives are teamed up to solve the strangulation death of a beautiful girl at a high<br />
profile build<strong>in</strong>g open<strong>in</strong>g celebration <strong>in</strong> Los Angeles. The cops, Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes<br />
come from different backgrounds but both are committed to solv<strong>in</strong>g the crime. What makes this<br />
story <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g is that the crime, the suspects and “the chase” <strong>in</strong>volve the Japanese and therefore<br />
the Japanese culture.<br />
The mult<strong>in</strong>ational company Nakamoto is <strong>in</strong> the market to buy a US computer company, Micro<br />
Con. The murder occurs <strong>in</strong> Nakamoto’s build<strong>in</strong>g. A complex cover-up by the Japanese keep<br />
Conner and Smith guess<strong>in</strong>g. Us<strong>in</strong>g high tech videodisc edit<strong>in</strong>g, a tape of the murder is doctored<br />
and the head of Nakamoto avoids direct embarrassment.<br />
Questions that make you th<strong>in</strong>k...<br />
What ethical standards apply to bus<strong>in</strong>esses from different cultures? Different countries?<br />
International bus<strong>in</strong>ess operations?<br />
Is it ethical for US property and corporations to be bought by foreign <strong>in</strong>terests?<br />
Is a company’s reputation more important than the truth?<br />
When a crime is committed <strong>in</strong> a foreign country, whose law applies?<br />
Thriller, 1993<br />
Rated R, Color, 129 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Director Philip Kaufman<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Sean Connery John Connor<br />
Harvey Keitel Tom Graham<br />
Wesley Snipes Web Smith<br />
Cary-Hiroyuke Tagawa Eddie Sakamura<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 25 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
Tucker: The Man and His Dream<br />
Tucker: The Man and His Dream beg<strong>in</strong>s as a public relations film for the Tucker Motor<br />
Company. It then follows the real life story of Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) and his dream to<br />
build a better car than the ‘Big Three’ <strong>in</strong> Detroit.<br />
Tucker, an ambitious entrepreneur, creates a futuristic aerodynamic car with three headlights, seat<br />
belts, an eng<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the back, disk brakes, and fuel <strong>in</strong>jection that can drive up to 130 mph. Tucker<br />
places an advertisement of his idea for the car <strong>in</strong> a magaz<strong>in</strong>e and the country goes crazy for it.<br />
Tucker manages to get the back<strong>in</strong>g to start build<strong>in</strong>g the Tucker, but encounters many obstacles<br />
and detours. When the Detroit auto manufacturers realize that Tucker’s car will force them to<br />
spend millions of dollars to rema<strong>in</strong> competitive, they force him out of bus<strong>in</strong>ess by a variety of<br />
unethical means.<br />
Is competition always a good th<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Questions to make you th<strong>in</strong>k…<br />
How honest should a company be with the public?<br />
Is it ethical to stretch the truth <strong>in</strong> advertisements?<br />
Should the best product always be the product manufactured?<br />
Drama, 1988<br />
Rated PG, Color, 111 m<strong>in</strong>utes<br />
Film Facts<br />
Credits Joan Allen Vera<br />
Jeff Bridges Preston Tucker<br />
Frederic Forrest Eddie<br />
Anders Johnson Johnny<br />
Elias Koteas Alex<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Landau Abe<br />
Mako Jimmy<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 26 of 27, December 1996
Emerson Center for<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong><br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
334 Cook Hall<br />
3674 L<strong>in</strong>dell Avenue<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>Louis</strong>, Missouri<br />
63108<br />
ph (314) 977-3854<br />
fax (314) 977-1647<br />
ecbe@slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
http://ecbe.slu.edu<br />
BIBLIOGRAPHY<br />
Books<br />
Ebert, Roger. Roger Ebert’s Video Companion, Andrew and McMeel, Kansas City, Missouri,<br />
1995.<br />
Herx, Henry. The Family Guide to Movies and Videos, United States Catholic Conference Inc.,<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton D.C., 1995.<br />
Kael, Paul<strong>in</strong>e. When the Lights Go Down, Holt, R<strong>in</strong>ehart and W<strong>in</strong>ston, New York, New York,<br />
1975.<br />
Kael, Paul<strong>in</strong>e. Tak<strong>in</strong>g it All In, Holt, R<strong>in</strong>ehart and W<strong>in</strong>ston, New York, New York, 1980.<br />
Kael, Paul<strong>in</strong>e. Hooked, E. P. Dutton, New York, New York, 1985.<br />
Kael, Paul<strong>in</strong>e. State of the Art, E. P. Dutton, New York, New York, 1985.<br />
Kael, Paul<strong>in</strong>e. Movie Love, Pengu<strong>in</strong> Books USA, Inc., New York, New York, 1991.<br />
Kael, Paul<strong>in</strong>e. For Keeps, Pengu<strong>in</strong> Books USA, Inc., New York, New York, 1994.<br />
Pallot, James. The <strong>Motion</strong> Picture Guide, C<strong>in</strong>eBooks, News America Publish<strong>in</strong>g Incorporated,<br />
New York, New York, 1994.<br />
Peary, Danny. Guide For the Film Fanatic, Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York, New York, 1986.<br />
Quart, Leonard and Albert Auster. American Film and Society S<strong>in</strong>ce 1945, Praeger, New York,<br />
New York, 1991.<br />
Variety Staff Writers. Variety Movie Guide, Prentice Hall General Reference, New York, New<br />
York, 1992.<br />
Microsoft C<strong>in</strong>emania ‘95 CD ROM<br />
Video Movies (by title)<br />
Various Internet Webpages<br />
Electronic Sources<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>Ethics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Motion</strong> <strong>Pictures</strong>, Page 27 of 27, December 1996