Scandal Sheet (1952)

You'd think all the great (or merely good) noir films have been unearthed. Here's one I'd never even heard of. It's worth going out of your way to see."Scandal Sheet" is a model of simplicity, without a wasted word or scene, moving steadily and without distraction to the inevitable ending. The director makes no effort to play up the tension, which the audience generates by its knowledge of how it all has to end. For what's technically a melodrama, "Scandal Sheet" is remarkably un-melodramatic.The story is based on a novel by Sam Fuller, who also penned the screenplay. The dialog is efficient and lively -- but not unduly clever. Except for John Derek, * the acting is subdued (though Ms Reed does raise her voice at times -- though with good reason).Like other reviewers, I was disturbed by Donna Reed smoking.* Given the character's enthusiasm for his job, this is perhaps forgivable.

Scandal Sheet (1952) *** (out of 4) Exciting mystery about a hard-working reporter (John Derek) who starts to uncover a mysterious murder of a young woman at a "Lonely Hearts" dance. His editor (Broderick Crawford) doesn't think the story will add up to much but what the reporter doesn't know is that his very own editor is the murderer. This comes from a novel by Sam Fuller and there's enough good drama here and nice dialogue that you're almost shocked that Fuller himself didn't write the screenplay or direct it. Fuller's style of writing is all over this film so I'm guess that the screenwriters took a lot of this from the novel or perhaps they got a few tips from Fuller himself. Either way, this is a pretty good little mystery as we get to see the murder happen early on and then watch everyone else try to figure out all the clues. There are many twists and turns that pop up through the short 80-minute running time but they're all quite clever and work out nicely. The performances here are a major plus with Crawford turning in fine work as the editor. I'm not sure what it was but Crawford had some kind of uncanny ability to start sweating on time just like other actors could start crying on a cue. There were several scenes in the film where the heat is put on him and sure enough he's start sweating right then and there. This is just something that caught my attention but the actor is very tense in the role and has a fiery quality about him. Derek was also pretty good as the star reporter who doesn't know how much damage he's doing to his friend by not letting the story die. WE also get a young Donna Reed playing a reporter who doesn't like the fact that the paper is turning into a tabloid. Rosemary DeCamp, Henry O'Neill, Jonathan Hale and Harry Morgan turn in fine supporting performances as well. The screenplay is full of sharp dialogue and they also aren't scared to take several hits at the media. The battle between real news and tabloid material gets a few mentions throughout and we also see some rather frank dialogue with the reporters at the scene of the crime making jokes about the victim, which is something a lot of other movies weren't doing at this time. Fans of Fuller will certainly want to check this one out.

Many IMDb reviewers have called this a film noir. In my opinion, it is not, although it definitely deals with the dark underbelly of humanity. It's more of a detective story, except in this case the "detective" is a young newspaper reporter.Finely acted throughout. Rosemary DeCamp is superb in her short cameo, much less classy than I've seen her before. Most of the stuff I've seen Donna Reed in, her roles run from sweet ("Green Dolphin Street") to saccharine ("It's A Wonderful Life"). It's nice to see her in a meatier role, a strong, intelligent woman, slightly rough around the edges, although she's definitely not a tough broad. With the exception of a bartender who gives skid row bums free mercy drinks when they are having the DTs, she is the only genuinely respectable character in the whole film.And she is absolutely stunning.What she sees in the blinkered, amoral, manipulative, conscience-free John Derek beyond his matinée idol good looks is beyond me as well. Surprisingly, there is some actual chemistry between them.

Broderick Crawford stars in this exciting film noir from 1952..Fast paced & keeps viewer in suspense till the end..Excellent cast, including Crawford, handsome John Derek, intelligent beautiful, Donna Reed.and Harry Morgan..However..ROSEMARY DeCAMP, is outstanding in her brief but important scenes.. This is unlike her other screen work..Rosemary ,for me, steals the show!.Worth seeing ..Thanks again to TCM for showing this today on Broderick Crawfords day a fine, underrated actor . I started watching @ 20 minutes after film began ( I don't usually do this)and I was "hooked" as I saw Rosemary DeCamps close up at rally for "forlorn lovers" DeCamp recognizes Crawford ,her former husband, who has now changed his name and persona.. I stopped everything and could not stop watching till the end I wont tell you what happens.I hope TCM shows again soon so I can view the scenes I missed at the beginning