Watch Star Reporter
- Approved
- 1939
- 1 hr 2 min
-
5.5 (122)
Star Reporter is a drama film from 1939, directed by Howard Bretherton and starring Warren Hull, Marsha Hunt, and Wallis Clark. The film follows the life of Bill Brown (Warren Hull), a newspaper reporter who is eager to make a name for himself in the industry. Bill is ambitious and determined to get the scoop on the latest stories, but he finds himself facing numerous challenges along the way.
The movie begins with Bill Brown working as a cub reporter for a small-time newspaper. He dreams of becoming a star reporter for a major newspaper but is continually dismissed by his editor for his lack of experience. One day, Bill attends a press conference where he meets Julie Warren (Marsha Hunt), a young actress who has been accused of a crime she did not commit. Bill is convinced of her innocence and decides to investigate the case.
As he digs deeper into the story, Bill realizes that the entire case is a set-up orchestrated by a powerful businessman named Frank Farraday (Wallis Clark). Farraday has a vested interest in seeing Julie convicted and is determined to make it happen. Bill finds himself facing numerous obstacles as he tries to gather evidence to clear Julie's name. He even lands in jail at one point, but that doesn't stop him from pursuing the truth.
The movie also highlights the role of the press in society. Bill's editor, Mr. Callahan (Addison Richards), is obsessed with selling newspapers and is willing to publish sensationalist stories to do so. At one point, Callahan even asks Bill to manufacture a story to increase circulation. Bill is appalled by this suggestion and refuses to go along with it. The film portrays the ethical dilemma faced by journalists who must balance the need for sensationalism with the need for accuracy and truth.
As the story progresses, Bill becomes more and more convinced of Julie's innocence. He finally manages to gather enough evidence to prove her innocence and bring Farraday to justice. The film ends with Bill being promoted to the position of star reporter and learning an important lesson about the power of the press and the importance of pursuing justice.
Overall, Star Reporter is an engaging and well-crafted drama that offers a glimpse into the world of newspaper reporting in the 1930s. Warren Hull gives a solid performance as Bill Brown, the ambitious young reporter, and Marsha Hunt is equally impressive as the beleaguered actress Julie Warren. The film offers an interesting commentary on the role of the press in society and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. Fans of classic cinema and those interested in the history of journalism will find Star Reporter to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking film.