The Hour
The Hour. 2011. (DVD 791.4572 Hour)
This compelling 6-part series is set behind the scenes of the BBC newsroom in 1956 (during the Suez crisis) as an innovative news program called “The Hour” is being launched. A combination of suspense, espionage, murder, and romance, The Hour follows journalist Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw), beautiful producer Bel Rowley (Romola Garai) and lead anchorman Hector Madden (Dominic West) as they work on sensitive news stories and deal with personal jealousies, romantic entanglements, and ambitious desires. Against the backdrop of Cold War era politics, Freddie investigates the mysterious death of a friend and the murder of a college professor and becomes involved in a sinister government conspiracy. Part Mad Men, part spy thriller, The Hour boasts superb acting (including the supporting cast) a literate script, and an intriguing and gripping plot. A second season has already been commissioned. Can’t wait. (Laura, Reader's Services)
