grizzledgeezer
You'd think all the great (or merely good) noir films have been unearthed. Here's one I'd never even heard of. It's worth going out of your way to see."Scandal Sheet" is a model of simplicity, without a wasted word or scene, moving steadily and without distraction to the inevitable ending. The director makes no effort to play up the tension, which the audience generates by its knowledge of how it all has to end. For what's technically a melodrama, "Scandal Sheet" is remarkably un-melodramatic.The story is based on a novel by Sam Fuller, who also penned the screenplay. The dialog is efficient and lively -- but not unduly clever. Except for John Derek, * the acting is subdued (though Ms Reed does raise her voice at times -- though with good reason).Like other reviewers, I was disturbed by Donna Reed smoking.* Given the character's enthusiasm for his job, this is perhaps forgivable.
LeonLouisRicci
Although Sam Fuller's Book (The Dark Page) is the only Screen Credit given, His Lurid, Street-Wise Sensibilities are all over this Newspaper Noir. From the Opening in a Wretched Tenement Building that is the Scene of a Sensational and Horrific Axe Murder, the Movie takes on an Ominous Tone that cannot be Hidden by the Bright Lights of the City Desk.Cynicism is Ripely Written into this Tale of Murder, Cover-Up, and Exploitation. John Derek and Henry Morgan Joke about a Splattered Skull making it Impossible to Obtain some "Art" for the Front Page. From there to the Lonely Hearts Club Dance that is a Parade of Pathetic People, Losers, and just Ordinary Folks that Life has Discarded, the Film Sinks to even Deeper Depths as the Newspaper Sponsored Event is a Backstage to Uncovered Lives, and even more a Discarded and Abandon Wife who ends up A-Float in the Bathtub.Broderick Crawford is in Typical Form as a Fast Talking, Sweaty, Editor that is Ironically the Catalyst for Circulation to Skyrocket and Fate Closing in. With Donna Reed on hand to Provide a Center of Sanity in this Whirlwind, the Movie is a Taut Testament and Scathing Indictment that does Manage to Provide some Relief and Redemption.A Bitter Fifties Expose that is Better than Most of the Decades Attempts at Sensationalism.
George Wright
This movie from 1952 is a great period drama of the age of yellow journalism. The opening scene sets the tone as a young reporter, John Derek, and his photographer partner, Harry Morgan, rush to a tenement building in the back streets of New York arriving before the police to get the story. Scandal Sheet features Broderick Crawford as the tough as nails editor, Mark Chapman, who insists on giving the public what they want. There is some boardroom flack from people who feel their paper has abandoned its past for the catchy headline and the fast buck but Chapman has no time to consider anything other than newspaper sales. His protégé Charles McCleary, played by John Derek, is an aggressive young reporter who fits right in with Chapman's school of journalism. Then the tables are turned as Derek finds himself on a story that leads right to his boss. Crawford is a larger than life actor who gives a great performance and Derek is impressive as the young reporter who shows his fibre in the final showdown. Actor Henry O'Neill, as Charlie Barnes, turns in a fine performance as the skid row character. O'Neill was often seen in suave roles and had a long career in film. Donna Reid is outstanding as one of McCleary's spunky colleagues in the newsroom with hints of a romantic interest.
Neil Doyle
They ought to put a smoking advisory on all these tough newspaper dramas from the '50s and '60s where the stars are lighting up all the time--even prim DONNA REED as a girl disgusted with the tabloid SCANDAL SHEET she works for, is smoking most of the time, along with BRODERICK CRAWFORD and JOHN DEREK and most of the male supporting cast, including HARRY MORGAN with a thick cigar in his mouth.The film is a crisp melodrama from Columbia about an editor (Crawford) who accidentally kills his wife (ROSEMARY DeCAMP) during a heated argument. His own staff crime reporter (JOHN DEREK) is soon hot on the trail of the woman's murderer and therein lies the nub of the plot.Donna Reed is less sweet than usual as a tough minded newspaper reporter in love with Derek. Derek is just okay as the reporter determined to find the killer. Broderick Crawford walks off with most of the acting honors as the guilty man who finds himself being investigated by his own ace reporters.Well written with a good climactic scene as the noose tightens around Crawford's neck. Summing up: Clever film noir is well worth watching.
AD
