Big News

Big News is an engaging pre-Code comedy drama film released in 1929. A brilliant directorial venture by Gregory La Cava, the motion picture is brought to life by talented actors like Robert Armstrong, Carole Lombard, and Louis Payne.

In Big News, Robert Armstrong, known for his roles in King Kong and The Most Dangerous Game, stars as Steve Banks, the hot-tempered managing editor of a big city newspaper. His charisma truly comes to life on screen, making his character not only interesting but also relatable to those who feel pushed to the edge by professional pressures and competition. Armstrong does justice to the emotionally varied role, flawlessly switching from the high-tension scenes in the newsroom to softer, more vulnerable moments.

Featuring alongside Armstrong is the beautiful and talented Carole Lombard, who portrays the role of Margaret Banks, Steve's estranged wife. Lombard, who later become one of the biggest stars of the 1930s, is simply enchanting in her role. Her nuanced portrayal of an independent woman who tries to balance her personal feelings with her professional duties is captivating, reflecting the challenges many women faced during this era. There's a certain spontaneity in Lombard's expressions, which puts audience at ease despite the film's roller-coaster narrative. She is a breath of fresh air in the otherwise high-strung environment of a hustling newsroom.

Lastly, Louis Payne comes into play as Captain Kennedy, a character around whom a part of the film's plot revolves. Payne's strong screen presence and intense performances make for a gripping viewing experience, as his role adds a layer of uncertainty and suspense to the story.

The film follows the life and struggles of Steve Banks as he tries to juggle the demands and pressures of his job, getting a big scoop for his newspaper amid stiff competition. His marred relationship with his wife adds another dimension to his stressful life. While reeling under personal and professional difficulties, Steve is unexpectedly dragged in as a suspect for the murder of his newspaper's owner. As he strives to clear his name, he stumbles upon a series of revelations that complicate his situation further but also provide him the big story he has been fighting for.

The screenplay of Big News does not fail in holding the audience's interest from beginning to end. Loaded with clever dialogues, the script keeps you hooked on to the rapid-paced developments. On one level, it is a classic expose on the tenacity of print journalism in its hay days, when getting the big scoop was the ultimate euphoria. On another level, it is a portrayal of strained relationships and all the drama and complexity that come with it.

Big News vividly captures the spirit of the 1920s through its wonderful production design and costume styling. Every scene in this black-and-white film is meticulously crafted to convey a sense of time and place. The scenes of the bustling newspaper offices are particularly appealing due to their authenticity.

Directed by Greg La Cava, Big News succeeds in combining comedy and drama with a good deal of suspense. La Cava's expert directing brings out strong performances from the actors, who equally contribute to light humor as well as high-stakes drama and conflict. His skilful use of close-ups intensifies pivotal moments in the story, while the more light-hearted scenes are deftly handled with wider camera angles, maintaining the balance between drama and comedy.

The soundtrack of Big News is another highlight of the film. With the right score punctuating crucial instances in the movie, it enhances the movie's overall mood and tone, making the experience more engaging.

In conclusion, Big News from 1929 is a historic cinematic work that gives viewers a deep insight into the world of bustling newspaper offices and the personal lives of its employees during the late 1920s. The brilliant performances of Robert Armstrong, Carole Lombard, and Louis Payne intensify the film's screenplay and make the story come alive on the screen. For fans of classic cinema, this film certainly deserves a special place in your must-watch list.