surprisingly timely
A very good movie about The Day, a newspaper publishing its last editions, and its aggressive attack on a known mobster.
Humphrey Bogart does an excellent job as the editor, and Ethel Barrymore gives a wonderful, regal performance as the widow of the publisher, whose daughters are now demanding that the paper be sold to a competitor.
The film brings up, a mere 53 years ago, issues that are relevant today - the tabloids versus real, factual news, and the meaning of a free press. These debates continue today, but unfortunately, it seems that the tabloid type of journalism is winning.
As for a free press - our press might be freer than many, but it isn't entirely free. As anyone who lost money in the great savings and loan scandal can tell you, important stories disappear from the front pages all the time.
Bogart's strong performance is the engine that keeps this film going, and there's a nice performance by Kim Hunter as his ex-wife.
Deadline USA reminds us of the good old days, when you could believe what you read in the New York Times.
Humphrey Bogart does an excellent job as the editor, and Ethel Barrymore gives a wonderful, regal performance as the widow of the publisher, whose daughters are now demanding that the paper be sold to a competitor.
The film brings up, a mere 53 years ago, issues that are relevant today - the tabloids versus real, factual news, and the meaning of a free press. These debates continue today, but unfortunately, it seems that the tabloid type of journalism is winning.
As for a free press - our press might be freer than many, but it isn't entirely free. As anyone who lost money in the great savings and loan scandal can tell you, important stories disappear from the front pages all the time.
Bogart's strong performance is the engine that keeps this film going, and there's a nice performance by Kim Hunter as his ex-wife.
Deadline USA reminds us of the good old days, when you could believe what you read in the New York Times.
- blanche-2
- Aug 5, 2005