Watch Honest Man: The Life of R.Budd Dwyer

Honest Man: The Life of R.Budd Dwyer is a 2010 biographical documentary film about the life and death of R. Budd Dwyer, a Pennsylvania state treasurer who became infamous for committing suicide on live television in 1987. The film is directed by James Dirschberger and narrated by Amy Klobuchar. The film features interviews with family, friends, and colleagues of R. Budd Dwyer, including his wife and children, who share their memories and insights into the man behind the headlines. Through their stories, the film paints a portrait of a complex and driven individual who was deeply committed to his work in public service.

Born in 1939 in St. Charles, Missouri, R. Budd Dwyer grew up in a working-class family and attended school at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. After graduating, he began his career in public service, working as a legislative assistant for Pennsylvania Senator Richard Schweiker.

Dwyer went on to become the state treasurer of Pennsylvania in 1980, a position he held for two terms. During his time in office, he implemented several reforms that helped modernize the state's financial system and improve its credit rating. He also had a reputation for being tough but fair, and was widely respected by his colleagues.

However, in 1986, Dwyer was indicted on charges of bribery, mail fraud, and racketeering related to a no-bid contract that he awarded to a California company. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was convicted and faced a potential sentence of up to 55 years in prison.

The final act of Dwyer's life is perhaps the most well-known part of his story. On January 22, 1987, he called a press conference in the state capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After reading a lengthy statement in which he protested his innocence and criticized the legal system, he produced a .357 Magnum revolver and shot himself in the head, dying almost instantly.

Honest Man: The Life of R.Budd Dwyer examines the events leading up to Dwyer's suicide, as well as their aftermath. The film looks at the media frenzy that surrounded the incident, with footage of the press conference and interviews with journalists who covered the story.

The film also explores the question of Dwyer's guilt or innocence. While the documentary does not take a firm stance on the matter, it does present evidence and arguments from both sides. Some of those who knew Dwyer best maintain his innocence and believe that he would never have taken his own life if he had been guilty of the crimes he was accused of.

Overall, Honest Man provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at the life and death of R. Budd Dwyer. It is a film that raises important questions about the nature of justice, the power of the media, and the complex motivations that lead people to take extreme actions. The film is a powerful reminder of the human toll of public scandals, and the need for empathy and understanding in our complex world.

Honest Man: The Life of R.Budd Dwyer is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.