Network (1976 film) A television network cynically exploits a deranged former anchor's ravings and revelations about the news media for its own profit. Director: Sidney Lumet Writer: Paddy Chayefsky Cast: Faye Dunaway ... Diana Christensen William Holden ... Max Schumacher Peter Finch ... Howard Beale Robert Duvall ... Frank Hackett Wesley Addy ... Nelson Chaney Ned Beatty ... Arthur Jensen