Blessed Event

Blessed Event is an engaging pre-Code comedy-drama, directed by Roy Del Ruth and delivered by Warner Bros in 1932. The film features established and upcoming stars like Lee Tracy, Mary Brian, and a young Dick Powell in his silver screen debut. A swift, edgy film filled with vivid performances, brisk dialogues, and an insightful look into the world of tabloid journalism during the Great Depression era, the movie holds its ground even in contemporary times.

The film revolves around the vibrant character of Alvin Roberts, played by Lee Tracy, who is a rambunctious columnist for a New York daily tabloid. Alvin is sharp-witted, energetic, and quite amoral. He is not afraid to bend the rules and resort to unorthodox methods to acquire the latest and most scandalous news before anyone else. His goal is to push sales by providing the most sensationalized version of the truth, illustrating the cutthroat competition in the newspaper industry.

In his role, Tracy perfectly captures the hustle and bustle of a newsroom. He's relentless, and with his rapid-fire lingo and brazen ways, he precisely portrays the tabloid journalist who will stop at nothing to climb the social ladder. Throughout the film, Alvin gets into numerous scrapes, and his quick thinking and smooth talking always save the day.

Opposite to Tracy's Alvin, Mary Brian portrays Gladys Price, Alvin's level-headed and forgiving girlfriend. She is a stenographer for the newspaper, and her character is in stark contrast to Alvin's. While Alvin thrives in controversies and conflict, Gladys is all about grace, simplicity, and morality. Despite their differences, they share an endearing, albeit complicated relationship.

However, Alvin's ambition to score exclusive scoops puts him on a collision course with various influential individuals, primarily the famed nightclub crooner Bunny Harmon, played by Dick Powell. Harmon is represented as a charming yet somewhat naive character, who gets unintentionally entangled in Alvin's tabloid tactics. Powell's charismatic performance, complemented by his melodious voice, adds an extra layer to the film.

The film is filled with clever dialogues, bearing the essence of the clever screenplay by Howard J. Green and Kubec Glasmon. Many scenes exhibit a realistic portrayal of the behind-the-scenes chaos of print journalism. Director Roy Del Ruth shows a knack for engaging storytelling through his adept pacing, evocative black-and-white cinematography, and an element of surprise.

The supporting cast also delivers worthy performances, appearing as various real-life personas embellished with a dash of fiction. Allen Jenkins as the newspaper's photographer, Ruth Donnelly in the role of the wise-cracking secretary, and Edwin Maxwell as the intimidating press baron all aid in keeping the film's momentum alive.

What sets Blessed Event apart is that while it primarily functions as a comedy-drama with elements of satire and romance, it also doubles as social commentary on journalism ethics. Blessed Event criticizes ruthless tabloid journalism, showing how gossip can sometimes have serious implications, which makes it quite relevant even today.

The film offers a delightful mix of humor, drama, romance, and music, making it an enjoyable watch. Blessed Event remains crucial in highlighting the landscape of 1930s journalism and serves as a fantastic opportunity to experience the remarkable talents of Tracy, Brian, and Powell. The film is a classic gem from the pre-Code Hollywood era and should be appreciated by anyone keen on exploring vintage cinema.