When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.

• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
• Faye Dunaway
• William Holden
• Peter Finch
• Robert Duvall
• Ned Beatty
• Beatrice Straight
• Wesley Addy
• Arthur Burghardt