There were quite a few reasons for wanting to see 'The Famous Ferguson Case'. Really liked the concept, and will always admire it when any film offers a true to life and relevant today portrayal of the media. Have liked but not loved what has been seen of Lloyd Bacon's other work, which admittedly is not enough, and really liked how he handled atmosphere. A talented cast was involved here, including Joan Blondell in a different role from her famous wisecracking roles, though she did prove more than once that she could step away from that type of role.
Like she does here in 'The Famous Ferguson Case'. Other films of hers did a lot better though at utilising her, which was one of the film's bigger disappointments. 'The Famous Ferguson Case' is an interesting film with enough to recommend it. At the same time, it didn't strike as great and more uneven with a lot of good but a near-equal amount of not so good. It is worth a look but is a long way from an essential. Was not expecting masterpiece level just to say, it's not that type of film, but it should have been more than just decent.
Am going to start with the good things. It is slickly shot and even better is the appropriately moody lighting in spots and use of shadow. Bacon directs with ease, has an eye for atmosphere and succeeds in building up the momentum at the end. He agreed really shines in a powerful scene when the reporters see the consequences of their work. Some of the script is thought provoking, what is said about the media having both bite and relevance, and 'The Famous Ferguson Case' really does pick up towards the end in energy and in intrigue with more going on, ending strongly.
Blondell does a very good job with what is given to her, though for top billing her role is surprisingly not a large or meaty one. Grant Mitchell brings authority and fun to his part and it was hard to not cheer when his character expressed his view on the media, which is so true now. Two of the best performance come from Tom Brown, as one of the film's more likeable characters, and Leon Ames.
However, 'The Famous Ferguson Case' to me didn't start off that well. The early portions of the film are too talk-heavy and tediously paced, some of it also rather heavy-handed (the portrayal of the media at times is a little exaggerated). The opening is as long winded as one can get.
Kenneth Thomson overdoes it in his role and his character could have done with a toning down. Do agree too that everything about the prosecutor is stupid and downright incompetent.
Summing up, decent but not great. 6/10
