Is Behind the News Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1940)

📖 The Core Premise

Behind the News stands as a 1940 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama, Crime landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "As suggested by its title, Behind the News was a "stop the presses!" yarn set in a big-city newsroom. Lloyd Nolan is top-billed as a cynical reporter with a penchant for sticking his neck out too far. Frank Albertson costars as a cub reporter fresh out of journalism school, whose presence is resented by Nolan and his fellow workers. But it is Albertson who, after running afoul of the law, is instrumental in breaking up a ring of racketeers. Behind the News was remade by Republic as Headline Hunters (55)."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Behind the News, Lloyd Nolan delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Behind the News worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Crime films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Behind the News is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 75 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.