RATHER
by Karen Pecota

Frank Marshall, USA 2023

At a young age, the renowned American journalist, Dan Rather, dreamt of being a reporter for a daily newspaper. Dan's parents were always reading the newspaper, and as a child he was curious. Dan's observation of what consumed them concluded that it must be important material, and he wanted to be a part of that action, when he grew up. This was the era when a reporter was a newspaper person.

Dan's initial entrance into the business was through radio. Dan admits that his training and experience in radio, with having to ad-lib a lot, fostered his success as a reporter. Dan followed his dream!

Filmmaker Frank Marshall proudly directs a film that captures the very essence of Dan's journey, his heartbeat, and what drove him to be a truth-telling journalist to the American people in the documentary RATHER. Known as a symbol of television journalism, Dan Rather built an incredible reputation being grounded in reality with integrity.

Rather said, "If you tell the truth in your reporting you also need to be prepared to take the heat. Or, get another line of work." Adding, "To get to the truth requires a lot of persistence. You have to be prepared to face the consequences that any controversial story one pursues involving powerful people you'll have to take the heat."

Dan was honored to follow in other renowned journalists’ footsteps and gleaned from their advice, style and presentation. Huntley Brinkley would say, "Journalism is a higher calling not a career." Walter Cronkite closes out his evening news with the line, "And, that's the way it is!" Radio legend, Paul Harvey, invented the phrase "The Rest of the Story." (PAUL HARVEY: Now you know the rest of the story). Dan delivered the news with courage, integrity and authenticity so he simply used the word "courage" to say good night to his viewers as an encouragement for them to be courageous.

CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) news hired Dan in 1962, and as fate would have it, he was the first one on the scene in Dallas, Texas, to report on the shocking assassination of President John F. Kennedy. CBS got the story first because Dan had the answers for inquiring minds about the tragedy. He was at the right place, at the right time and eloquently gave America the news they wanted to hear.

Dan's daughter, Robin said, "Dad, as a deeply religious person, and one who loves his fellow man. How he loved them was through reporting." His beloved career [or calling] survived 60 years.

On a special report, Dan revealed to the American people George W. Bush's controversial military record. It was not the right type of news to dwell on during a crucial political season for the country nor for the Bush family—though facts were facts. The drama that developed abruptly ended Dan's career with the nightly newscast. The consequences for truth-telling when the truth isn’t welcomed are devastating to a man with moral character but not above reproach. Marshall reveals in RATHER the steps Dan took to find redemption, how he wants to be remembered, and in his later years how he's become a sound voice of reason to a new generation who want the truth.

Dan's grandson says, "I want my grandfather to be remembered, who did his best to represent the ideals of this country." Marshall's RATHER will reveal just that!