Watch Headline Crasher

Headline Crasher is a 1937 crime drama film starring Frankie Darro, Kane Richmond, and Muriel Evans. The film tells the story of a young man, Jimmy Hanley, who becomes a reporter and is assigned to cover the murder of a prominent businessman. As he investigates the case, Hanley discovers a web of corruption that reaches all the way to the top of the city's political and financial elite.

The film opens with Hanley working as a delivery boy for a newspaper. He dreams of becoming a reporter but is repeatedly rejected due to his lack of experience. However, when the newspaper's top reporter is killed while investigating the murder of the businessman, Hanley gets his chance to prove himself. He is assigned to take over the investigation and tasked with finding the killer.

As Hanley delves deeper into the case, he uncovers evidence that suggests the murder was not a random act of violence but was instead part of a larger conspiracy. He discovers that the businessman was involved in shady deals with several powerful individuals, including the mayor and a corrupt police detective. When Hanley tries to bring this information to light, he is met with resistance and threats from those who want to keep their secrets buried.

Throughout the film, Hanley is aided by his friend and co-worker, Benny, played by Darro, who provides comic relief with his wisecracks and bumbling antics. Hanley also develops a romantic interest in the victim's daughter, played by Evans, who initially resents him for getting involved in her family's affairs but eventually comes to appreciate his tenacity and courage.

The film builds to an action-packed climax as Hanley confronts the real killer and exposes the corruption at the heart of the city's power structure. Along the way, he exhibits the qualities that make for a great reporter: persistence, intuition, and a willingness to take risks to get the story.

Overall, Headline Crasher is a well-crafted crime drama with lots of twists and turns and a compelling central character in Jimmy Hanley. The film benefits from strong performances by the lead actors and a tight, suspenseful script that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. While some of the plot elements may feel familiar to modern audiences, the film is an excellent example of the kind of hard-hitting, socially conscious journalism that was valued in the era of the newspaper.

Headline Crasher is a 1937 mystery with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.