New York 1930's. Orson Welles stages a controversial musical about a steel strike under the Federal Theatre Program--and gets shut down by government decree. This film, based on a true story, explores the psychological split in the U.S. over New Deal policies; the uneasy relationship between corporate power and the arts; the forces of Communism and Fascism abroad and their influence on workers in the United States; and the connection between a struggling Europe preparing for war and industrial opportunism in America.-----"One Of The Year's Most Entertaining Movies!" -USA TodayPowerful and sweeping, the critically acclaimed Cradle Will Rock, starring Hank Azaria, Joan Cusack, John Cusack, Bill Murray and Susan Sarandon, takes a kaleidoscopic look at the extraordinary events of 1930s America. From high society to life on the streets, director Tim Robbins (Dead Man Walking) brings Depression-era New York City to vivid life. A time when da Vincis are given to millionaires who help fund the Mussolini war effort. And Nelson Rockefeller commissions Mexican artist Diego Rivers to paint the lobby of Rockefeller Center. A time when a young Orson Welles and a troupe of passionate actors risk everything to perform the infamous musical "The Cradle Will Rock." As threats to their freedom and the livelihood loom larger, they refuse to give in to censorship. Based on actual events, Cradle Will Rock will move you.-----In 1930s New York Orson Welles tries to stage a musical on a steel strike under the Federal Theater Program despite pressure from an establishment fearful of industrial unrest and red activity. Meanwhile Nelson Rockefeller gets the foyer of his company headquarters decorated and an Italian countess sells paintings for Mussolini. -----As labor strikes break out throughout the country during the 1930s, the art and theater world of New York City is a growing cultural revolution. Nelson Rockefeller (John Cusack) commissions Mexican artist Diego Rivera (Ruben Blades) to paint the lobby of Rockefeller Center, while Italian propagandist Margherita Sarfatti (Susan Sarandon) gives Da Vincis to millionaires who help fund the Mussolini war effort. An alcoholic ventriloquist (Bill Murray) tries to rid his vaudeville troupe of communists, while a 22-year-old Orson Welles (Hank Azaria) defies a court order and performs his controversial musical "Cradle Will Rock."