Not even bad in a good way

Let's be realistic.

Better Late Then Never

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Scandal Sheet (1952) *** (out of 4) Exciting mystery about a hard-working reporter (John Derek) who starts to uncover a mysterious murder of a young woman at a "Lonely Hearts" dance. His editor (Broderick Crawford) doesn't think the story will add up to much but what the reporter doesn't know is that his very own editor is the murderer. This comes from a novel by Sam Fuller and there's enough good drama here and nice dialogue that you're almost shocked that Fuller himself didn't write the screenplay or direct it. Fuller's style of writing is all over this film so I'm guess that the screenwriters took a lot of this from the novel or perhaps they got a few tips from Fuller himself. Either way, this is a pretty good little mystery as we get to see the murder happen early on and then watch everyone else try to figure out all the clues. There are many twists and turns that pop up through the short 80-minute running time but they're all quite clever and work out nicely. The performances here are a major plus with Crawford turning in fine work as the editor. I'm not sure what it was but Crawford had some kind of uncanny ability to start sweating on time just like other actors could start crying on a cue. There were several scenes in the film where the heat is put on him and sure enough he's start sweating right then and there. This is just something that caught my attention but the actor is very tense in the role and has a fiery quality about him. Derek was also pretty good as the star reporter who doesn't know how much damage he's doing to his friend by not letting the story die. WE also get a young Donna Reed playing a reporter who doesn't like the fact that the paper is turning into a tabloid. Rosemary DeCamp, Henry O'Neill, Jonathan Hale and Harry Morgan turn in fine supporting performances as well. The screenplay is full of sharp dialogue and they also aren't scared to take several hits at the media. The battle between real news and tabloid material gets a few mentions throughout and we also see some rather frank dialogue with the reporters at the scene of the crime making jokes about the victim, which is something a lot of other movies weren't doing at this time. Fans of Fuller will certainly want to check this one out.

Shades of 1948's "The Big Clock"! Reporters on an East Coast newspaper diligently attempt to find the killer of a middle-aged, female "lonely heart" who was found murdered in her bath...but the culprit may be closer to them than they think! This must have been an embarrassment for John Derek, playing one of those cocky young journalists who keeps turning away crucial evidence out of sheer inexperience...and who doesn't even believe a witness who exposes the killer right in front of him! Donna Reed, as a writer with ethics, comes off somewhat better, while sweaty editor Broderick Crawford (looking more like Fred Flintstone than ever) goes a bit overboard with the tight grimaces and steely-eyed glares. Still, not all bad; the noir-styled cinematography is excellent, and the script, adapted from Samuel Fuller's novel "The Dark Page", is quite absorbing despite so many familiar ingredients. **1/2 from ****

Watch Crawford sweat this one out! Great fun with Broderick Crawford as managing editor of a "Scandal Sheet" newspaper, with John Derek and Donna Reed on staff as reporters. The film uses the technique of showing the murderer's identity as the crime is committed (it's editor Crawford); then we watch him squirm as the reporter hero (Derek) and heroine (Reed) try to identify the killer and cover the story. Mr. Crawford must give the "Lonely Heart Killer" big coverage in his tabloid newspaper, or risk suspicion. When a possible witness turns up, things get complicated. Henry O'Neill is great as a washed-up old drunk who used to work for Crawford's newspaper. The film has a great style… beautiful black and white photography directed by Phil Karlson. Recommended viewing! ******** Scandal Sheet (1952) Phil Karlson ~ Broderick Crawford, John Derek, Donna Reed

Broderick Crawford stars in this exciting film noir from 1952..Fast paced & keeps viewer in suspense till the end..Excellent cast, including Crawford, handsome John Derek, intelligent beautiful, Donna Reed.and Harry Morgan..However..ROSEMARY DeCAMP, is outstanding in her brief but important scenes.. This is unlike her other screen work..Rosemary ,for me, steals the show!.Worth seeing ..Thanks again to TCM for showing this today on Broderick Crawfords day a fine, underrated actor . I started watching @ 20 minutes after film began ( I don't usually do this)and I was "hooked" as I saw Rosemary DeCamps close up at rally for "forlorn lovers" DeCamp recognizes Crawford ,her former husband, who has now changed his name and persona.. I stopped everything and could not stop watching till the end I wont tell you what happens.I hope TCM shows again soon so I can view the scenes I missed at the beginning