Five Star Final (1931, Mervyn LeRoy) ***
This is a wonderful example of pre-code Hollywood (open discussion and depiction of casual sex, prostitution, illegal use of bootlegged booze, suicide and illegitimacy – this film couldn’t have been made after the Hayes Code was enforced) and the muckraking sensibility of the tough and gritty pictures that were being turned out by Warner Brothers in the 1930’s. An indictment of “yellow journalism” that causes tragedy for many “innocent” people with Edward G. Robinson as the ruthless editor out to increase his papers circulation with sensational headlines and stories; a tragedy all around and an excellent commentary on the “class warfare” of the day. (“Now you listen to me, Hinchecliffe. It'll be for the last time. I'm through with your dirty rag, and I'm through with you. Oh, I'm not ducking any of the blame for this thing. You thought of the murder and I committed it. But I did it for smaller profit. For wages. You did for circulation.”) The title refers to an era when competing newspapers published a series of editions during the day, in this case marking its final edition front page with five stars and the word "Final." Nominated for Best Picture. Another reason to watch; great pre-Frankenstein performance from Boris Karloff as Isopod, ruthless stooge to editor Robinson.
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