The Headline Woman

In the 1930's, there were several mystery/suspense movies centered around brazen but morally correct newsmen. That a wisecracking reporter was so often a cinematic hero is reflective of the manifold changes undergone by the American media during the 20th century. History aside, "The Headline Woman" is one of the best of its kind.

The first part of the movie concerns a group of reporters who help promote a bumbling police officer to lieutenant detective to act as a leak after the commissioner attempts to ban police reports. The title character doesn't actually appear till midway through the film - during the nightclub sequence which serves as the highlight.

William Nigh's direction is more than competent, and the cast is great. Ford Sterling's reputation as Chief of the Keystone Kops makes his role especially ironic. 9/10.