Ein Mann mit Phantasie

Dispatch from Reuter's, A (1940)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Minor bio-pic from Warner features Edward G. Robinson as Paul Julius Reuter, the man who started off with pigeons and then building Europe's fastest news wire service. The late 30's and early 40's were full of biography movies and this one here is somewhat entertaining but there's just not enough here to make it really worth seeing. I know a few things about Reuter's life that wasn't included in this film and I can only guess that the subject wouldn't have interested folks in 1940. With that said, I'm really not sure what Jack Warner himself would have found so interesting about the story actually filmed. The main story has Reuter trying to stay ahead of other people and a big finale about his report on the Lincoln assassination and whether or not it's true. There really never is any drama that builds from any of the situations, although I will admit the stuff with the pigeons was pretty good. The film covers a wide range of years but the time itself never seems to move in the film. Not for a second did I believe I was watching something taking place in the 1820's and this really takes away from the atmosphere that should have been created. Robinson turns in a fairly good performance but I did expect more from him. He fits the role quite well but not once did I feel too much passion coming from him. Edna Best serves as the wife but doesn't really add too much. Eddie Albert does the best work of the cast with Gene Lockhart, Otto Kruger, James Stephenson and Nigel Bruce rounding out the supporting players. Child star Dickie Moore has a brief part in the film. I'm sure a good movie might be made with this story but sadly it's not this one.

Speed and truth was always the motto of Reuter's news agency, and those two characteristics certainly dominate this film, especially speed. Everything is fast here, the dialog keeps constantly firing off, and everything keeps happening at once. Whether you like journalism or not, it's a great story of faith and stubborn integrity constantly fighting incredulity and stupidity, and although it turns out critical at times, the truth always gets through in the end. Edward G. Robinson makes a great portrait of the fantastic news reporter who started with carrier pigeons, being called the "pigeon fool", but always followed the development and made his progress with it. Edna Best makes the endearing part of his wife, Eddie Albert is more interested in writing poems than in his master's craze about pigeons, Nigel Bruce makes a wonderful sponsor and friend both in need and in times of crisis, and there are other grand old actors contributing also. The height of the drama is the murder of President Lincoln and its stormy reactions, and William Dieterle has made a good job of it. This one of those classical biopics of Hollywood from the 30s on.

Enjoyable Warner Bros. biopic about Paul Julius Reuter, the man who built the famous Reuters news service. Edward G. Robinson players Reuter. The movie covers his story from when he was using carrier pigeons up through the use of the telegraph. As is often the case with these biopics, he faces hardships and doubt from critics but perseveres. It's all pretty formulaic, I admit, but also undeniably entertaining. I was never bored. Eddie G's backed up by a fine stable of character actors, including Gene Lockhart, Otto Kruger, Nigel Bruce, and Albert Bassermann. Edna Best is the love interest and Eddie Albert plays Robinson's assistant. A solid cast. The subject matter may not lend itself to the most exciting story but they do a surprisingly good job keeping it interesting.

The 'BIO PICTURE' was a staple of Warner Brothers (WB) from its inception. Now lets be clear about that, it does not mean historical accuracy. It was (and is) a form of entertainment that loosely uses real events and people and spins a story that was (and is) appropriate at the time of it's release. There is enough facts and truth in these productions to stimulate interest to those who wish to delve deeper. We suggest that A DISPATCH FROM REUTER'S may have a lot more in it then is shown on screen. For that you need to go to the library or catch something on one (1) of the educational channels.

What is shown though is very entertaining. Edward G. Robinson plays 'Julius Reuter' who created the first world wide information system. His performance like all those when he was interested in the role is credible and sincere. Edna Best plays his wife 'Ida' and also delivers in a way that is believable. The supporting cast of WB contract players of the time all do their job. Photography by James Wong Howe and musical score by Max Steiner is what you come to expect for such a production, professional. As well as direction by William Dieterle who was the WB's director of choice during that period for the 'BIO' picture.

The only fly in the ointment is the irritating performance of Eddie Albert's 'Max Wagner' as 'Reuter's' friend and irresponsible jerk. We will not catalog all 'Max's' shortcomings but lets just say this. Any normal business owner would have fired him or had him disappear by way of THE SOPRANOS! For some reason during the 30's and 40's this type of character was supposed to be endearing to the audience in a way that escapes us today. There is a parallel to this during that period known as the "idiot plot". A simple misunderstanding that if simply explained away would have solved everything in the first reel.

Other then that we endorse watching this film. If you can also catch DR. EHRLICH'S MAGIC BULLET, do so. Mr. Robinson also stars in that one (1) and the film is a stronger drama with a tighter plot. Rating for DR. EHRLICH'S MAGIC BULLET IMDb**********Ten (10).

Edward G. Robinson is a small, quiet man with a big dream: to make a huge world a little smaller by making the dissemination of news faster, first with pigeons, then with telegraphy, and always with honesty.

Once again, Robinson stars for director William Dieterle in one of Warner Brothers' movies about truth and freedom. While Jack Warner may have groaned that every time Paul Muni parted his beard it cost him a million dollars, these movies were popular and well regarded. Even today, we hear words uttered by mendacious and angry people arguing about "fake news" and "alternate facts", underling the last words in this movie, spoken by Robinson: "A censored press is the tool of a corrupt minority. A free press is the symbol of a free people. For truth is freedom. Without truth, there can only be slavery and degradation." As distressing as the truth may be, this is something I believe. With Edna Best, Eddie Alert, Albert Basserman, Gene Lockhart, and Nigel Bruce.