Plot: A reporter (José Ferrer, who also directed) is assigned a job to deliver a nationwide radio eulogy for a beloved celebrity. But looking into the facts of the revered figure’s life reveals details that will destroy the man's image and possibly the reporter’s career.
A cynical, hard-boiled character study (although the main character is never seen), this movie is a good example of the kind of subjects Hollywood examined during its “pre-code” days (ca. 1920s - 1934). The basic story is very close to Citizen Kane in how it examines private vs. public personas. Ferrer’s character is very much in Joe Friday mode, stuck between telling the truth and advancing his own interest. Famous ‘50s singer Julie London effectively plays a young woman very much caught up in the intrigue.
While some of the scenes start to feel interminable, the movie is worth a look. Be aware that the audio track has degraded to the point you may need to use close-captions to heart what's going on.
6/10 (“Liked it”)
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