In 1992, Tim Robbins wrote, directed and starred in the political mockumentary Bob Roberts. This satirical film tells the story of fictional Senatorial campaign of Bob Roberts, an corrupt and arch-conservative folk singer-turned-politician running a crooked campaign for Pennsylvania Senator, while an independent muck-raking reporter is trying to stop him.
Bob Roberts features performances and cameos from tons of celebrities (Susan Sarandon, James Spader, John Cusack, Peter Gallagher, author Gore Vidal) and many future stars (David Strathairn from Good Night and Good Luck, Jack Black, Jeremy Piven).
In an early scene in the film, WAPW's Action News reporter Carol Cruise (Pamela Reed) is broadcasting a story about the Roberts political campaign:
Carol Cruise
Senatorial opponent Bob Roberts is creating quite a sensation in his Pennsylvania election tour, playing to sold-out audiences from Scranton to Pittsburgh.
The word Scranton appears on the screen as the location of the report as reporter Rose Pondell (future Oscar winner Helen Hunt) covers the story. She ends her report with:
Rose Pondell
With the Roberts campaign in Scranton, this is Rose Pondell, WAPW Action News.
Bob Roberts was shot in Pittsburgh and, to my knowledge, had no location shoots in Scranton, PA.
Bob Roberts is available on DVD and VHS from libraries throughout the Lackawanna County Library System. Click on the link of your preferred format to place a hold.
Thanks to Evelyn Gibbons for this reference.
