What's this about?

Lately, it seems like many of the movies/shows are just a rehash or reboot of things that have already been done. And so I started to dive into the past. It's been fun, but I find myself losing track of which ones I’ve seen and whether or not I enjoyed them. Sometimes the titles themselves just don't tell me enough to remember.

I wouldn’t have voluntarily watched a lot of these movies when I was younger. It’s strange how interests change. That goes for what I read, too. I have another blog that explores books. I’m mostly reading older fiction and memoirs, and some of the books have led me to movies/shows and vice versa. In those cases, I may post the book review over here as well.

There will be spoilers, which is different than my book reviews. That’s mostly because I want to have enough information to help me remember what I’ve seen. I’m getting older. The brain doesn’t cooperate like it used to. What can I say? The gray hairs are catching up with me!

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Scandal Sheet - 1952

I had some free time and decided to pick something from Tubi's leaving soon list. I'm a sucker for these noir films and put this on.

Mark is the editor of a newspaper. His protégé, Steve, has helped to make the once respectable paper into a tabloid. He shows up at crime scenes and does the annoying newspaperman thing. A young woman in the office is the voice of reason, and by far the most sane person there.

When the paper gives a Lonely Hearts Ball, Mark is spotted by his ex-wife. He's changed his name, but his past hasn't escaped him. According to the poster, I guess he was in the mob? They never really address that in the film, though. Or maybe I missed it. Anyway, Mark accidentally kills his ex and tries to cover it up. It's a problem because now Steve is looking for the killer, and Mark knows he won't give up.

Eventually, a former journalist stumbles onto the answer and tries to tell people. Since he has the reputation of being a drunk, and he's calling from a bar where one of his fellow patrons is singing at the top of his lungs, the message doesn't have the weight it needs. Charlie decides to head to a rival paper, and that's where Mark catches up with him. RIP Charlie.

I liked this movie. It had the tension I enjoy, and it wasn't too boring. There were moments in there, but overall it was entertaining enough. I thought the end was a bit strange. I know Mark wasn't willing to shoot Steve, but I'm not sure suicide by cop was the way to go either. I like how the romance took a backseat to the mystery. This movie is based on The Dark Page by Samuel Fuller. I'd be interested in reading it, but the only copy I saw was $70, and I'm not paying that, so that might not happen. Good Movie!



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