Plot Synopsis

In 1971, jaded Pentagon analyst Daniel Ellsberg fed up with the hypocrisy of government leaked to the New York Times a classified study on how policymakers deceived the public about U.S. involvement in Vietnam. After the first installment the government issued a crease and desist order which led to a major Supreme Court decision-- that the press must be allowed a reasonable assurance that it can print actual news. Ellsberg was held for treason but the charges were dropped after a mistrial.