"This Man is News" is a very good British comedy and mystery that may have been inspired by one or more Hollywood films before it. It closely resembles the "The Thin Man" of 1934 that starred William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles. Here, Barry Barnes, as Simon Drake, is out to solve a murder, with help at times from wife Pat, played by Valerie Hobson. Only, it turns out not to be a single murder, with one occurring right in their home. And, where Powell's Nick Charles is a master sleuth, the Barnes character here is an ace newspaper reporter. So much for that comparison.
But, then there's the newspaper itself and the reporting which provide the base for this plot. For that aspect, the writers may have been influenced by Hollywood's 1931 newspaper crime comedy, "The Front Page," that starred Adolphe Menjou and Pat O'Brien. That was so popular that more renditions of it were made later. There might even have been some other film sources of inspiration for the news editor played by Alastair Sim. Perhaps "Libeled lady of 1936, and others. The press and reporters and editors were more popular subjects in movies of the 1930s that at any time since.
Well, whether inspired by other films and stories, or not, "This Man is News" is an interesting and very entertaining comedy mystery. The Drakes are even more lively than Nick and Nora, and Pat Drake keeps up with her husband in the drinking department. This is a good plot with some angles that aren't hard to pick up on. Simon's original hunch and prediction comes true that Brown would get knocked off for snitching on his accomplices in a big jewelry heist. But, it's a little hard to believe that others - the press guys at his paper, and the police, wouldn't' think likewise. Then later, Simon doesn't seem quite as sharp after realizing he had become a target of the criminals. He gives away the tip fairly early in the film, which the more astute mystery aficionado would catch. Yet, it seems to go right over his head. So, one has to wonder if he really was all that smart.
Alastair Sim is very good as the editor, Macgregor, but not nearly as ferocious as Menjou or Spencer Tracy's characters in the previous mentioned films. But his role is much funnier, which adds to the comedy and enjoyment of this film. Edward Lexy plays the lead police investigator, Inspector Hollis. Thankfully, he isn't portrayed as a dummy, but a clear thinker who recognizes the whole complex plot toward the end ahead of Drake. The Drakes, Macgregor and Inspector Hollis all are sources of good comedy throughout.
The production seems a bit choppy, and the film quality is somewhat lacking. While the film was made at Pinewood Studios, the production company was short-lived. Pinebrook Studios made just six films in 1938-1939 - this was its first. The plot, screenplay and cast all are very good. But for the somewhat lower production quality, this film would rate one star higher. Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Simon Drake, "I don't know what I've done to deserve a wife like you. I've lost my job. I've ended any chance of ever getting another one." Pat Drake, "Oh, forget it, Simon. You'll get another job. Probably telling bedtime stories on the radio."
Simon Drake, "I hope that big sergeant downstairs is trustworthy, Holly. I don't like the way he looked at my pipe." Inspector Hollis, "Oh, don't you worry about that, Drake. I'll look after that myself."
Simon Drake, "Now, won't you assume, just for the sake of argument, that maybe I'm not a homicidal maniac?" Inspector Hollis, "Where does that get us?" Drake, "That's better."
Pat Drake, on the phone with Macgregor, "I know you don't trust Simon, Mr. Macgregor. Neither do I. But I think it's most ungallant of you to doubt him at his word."
Sergeant Bright, "Nice work, chief. Shall I watch while he gets dressed?" Pat Drake, "Sergeant!"
Fireman, "We see plenty of women in bedrooms, of course. But, as a rule they are free - I mean, uh, not tied up."
Inspector Hollis, "Nice state of affairs - when a man can't even go into his own office for fear of meeting his own chief."
Inspector Hollis, to Sergeant Bright, "Look here, Lothario, I brought you here to dodge the assistant commissioner, and not to indulge in your unbridled passions." Sergeant Bright, "Oh, I say."
Inspector Hollis, "Well, it's your own fault. There's someone doing their level best to kill you, and you can't even tell me why." Simon Drake, "I see. If I want peace, I've got to help you to solve your mystery, have I? All right, tell me how I can help."
