Five Star Final (1931)

The City Editor of a sleazy tabloid goes against his own journalistic ethics to resurrect a twenty year old murder case... with tragic results.

Director:

Mervyn LeRoy

Writers:

Louis Weitzenkorn (based on the play by), Byron Morgan (screenplay),

Stars:

Edward G. Robinson, Marian Marsh, H.B. Warner

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Edward G. Robinson	...	Randall
Marian Marsh	...	Jenny Townsend
H.B. Warner	...	Michael Townsend
Anthony Bushell	...	Phillip Weeks
George E. Stone	...	Ziggie Feinstein
Frances Starr	...	Nancy 'Voorhees' Townsend
Ona Munson	...	Kitty Carmody
Boris Karloff	...	T. Vernon Isopod
Aline MacMahon	...	Miss Taylor
Oscar Apfel	...	Hinchecliffe
Purnell Pratt	...	French
Robert Elliott	...	Brannegan

Storyline

Hinchcliffe, the ruthless publisher of a sleazy New York tabloid, is concerned that the ethical journalistic policies of City Editor Randall have caused a drop in circulation. He pressures the newsman to run more sensational stories including resurrecting the twenty year old Vorhees Murder Case. Although the perpetrator's actions were ultimately judged justifiable, and she has been living an exemplary life in anonymity, Hunchcliffe insists Randall revisit the story. Randall assigns Isopod, an alcoholic degenerate, to dig up anything that he can. The unprincipled reporter fraudulently insinuates himself into the Vorhees' home masquerading as a minister and gets the expose he sought. Yellow journalism triumphs, and a decent woman's name gets dragged through the mud again... with tragic consequences.

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Plot Keywords:

editor | city editor | murder | reporter | tabloid | 

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Taglines:

A picture as sensational as its subject!

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 September 1931 (USA)

Also Known As:

O kitrinos typos

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

First National Pictures, Vitaphone Corporation, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Vitaphone release #4931-4940.

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Quotes

Joseph W. Randall: By the way, did you see Isopod?
Kitty Carmody: Not lately. Say, Mr. Randall, I don't bark assignments, but I don't like workin' with that guy.
Joseph W. Randall: Well, what's the matter?
Kitty Carmody: Well, I rode uptown in a taxi with him, and I don't have any skin left on my knees.
Joseph W. Randall: What were you two doing? Kneeling in prayer?
Kitty Carmody: He was doin' the kneelin'. I darn well almost went out of the cab.
Joseph W. Randall: [laughs]

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Connections

Referenced in The Maltese Asparagus (1970)

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Soundtracks

"Let Me Call You Sweetheart"
(1910) (uncredited)
Music by Leo Friedman
Played on the phonograph

User Reviews

Great film!

In the early 1930's, seemingly, only Warner Brothers had the guts to film this type of raw entertainment. Seen today, "Five Star Final" seems to be ahead of its time! It is racy, daring, provocative and is also a rough and tough exposé of the newspaper racket and its unscrupulous tactics. Edward G. Robinson, Marian Marsh (her hysterical confrontation with the nasty tabloid personnel at the films finale is a real gem), H.B. Warner (the personification of dignity), Boris Karloff (callous), Aline MacMahon, Ona Munson and Frances Starr are all superb. "Five Star Final" is a film that is still enjoyable and delivers a wallop, even by today's standards.