Watch Five Star Final

Five Star Final is a gripping and thought-provoking drama film from 1931. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, the movie stars Edward G. Robinson, Marian Marsh, and H.B. Warner. The film is based on a play by Louis Weitzenkorn, which was inspired by a real-life incident of sensational journalism in the early 20th century. Robinson plays Randall, the ruthless and ambitious managing editor of a New York City tabloid called The Gazette. Years ago, Randall was a respectable journalist with high ideals, but he sold out to the sensationalist style of tabloid journalism in order to climb the ladder of success. The Gazette's latest scoop is a story about Nancy Voorhees (Marsh), a woman who was tried and acquitted of murdering her boss. Now, years later, The Gazette has tracked her down and is planning to run a story exposing her scandalous past. Nancy, who has since become a wife and mother, is terrified of the publicity and the impact it will have on her family.

As the newspaper's deadline approaches, Randall and his team of reporters and editors bully, manipulate and blackmail their way to get the story done. They use unethical tactics to dig up dirt on Nancy and her family, and they print sensational headlines that twist the truth and distort the facts. Along the way, the film exposes the seedy underbelly of the newspaper industry, where truth and ethics are sacrificed for the sake of circulation and profit.

Despite the film's age, Five Star Final remains a relevant and compelling commentary on the state of journalism in modern society. It raises important questions about the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the ethics of journalism, and the impact of tabloid culture on our personal lives. The film also showcases Robinson's timeless talent as an actor, as he portrays Randall with a complex blend of ambition, cynicism, and morality. Marsh delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Nancy, who faces the harsh realities of the media frenzy with equal parts fear and resilience.

Five Star Final is a well-crafted and impactful drama that still resonates with audiences today. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and ethics of journalism, and it is a testament to the enduring power of cinema as a medium for social commentary.

Five Star Final is a 1931 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.