Behind the News

Behind the News

Year: 1940

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: English

Director: Joseph Santley

CrimeDrama

A fast‑paced drama set in a bustling city newsroom, starring Lloyd Nolan as a cynical reporter who constantly risks his career, and Frank Albertson as an eager cub fresh from journalism school whose presence irritates his colleagues. When Albertson runs afoul of the law, he helps expose and break up a racketeering ring. The film was later remade by Republic as Headline Hunters.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Behind the News (1940)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Behind the News (1940). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

The Enquirer newsroom, District Attorney's Office, Face's sister's apartment, Courthouse, Radio Station

The Enquirer newsroom is the central hub where Jeff and Stu chase the truth amid deadlines. The District Attorney's Office represents the political machinery behind prosecutions and potential corruption. Face's sister's apartment becomes a key crime-scene setting, while the courthouse and radio station symbolize public forums where truth is contested.

📰 Newspaper 🕵️ Investigation 🏛️ City life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:05

Main Characters – Behind the News (1940)

Meet the key characters of Behind the News (1940), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Flavin (Frank Albertson)

A freshly graduated journalist who is eager and idealistic. He pushes beyond the initial harsh mentorship, taking initiative in a high-stakes case and proving the value of investigative reporting. His persistence helps uncover corruption and defend the pursuit of truth.

🧭 Ambition 🕵️ Investigation

Stuart Woodrow (Lloyd Nolan)

An experienced reporter whose skepticism about newcomers masks a commitment to the craft. He clashes with Jeff but eventually recognizes the rookie's tenacity and supports his growth. Their dynamic highlights a tension between tradition and modern journalism.

🕵️‍♂️ Mentor 🔄 Conflict

Barbara Shaw (Doris Davenport)

Stu's fiancée and Kelly's secretary, she is placed at the intersection of personal and political loyalties. Her involvement underscores how personal relationships can influence professional judgments in a newsroom-styled political drama.

💼 Workplace 💘 Relationships

Vic Archer (Robert Armstrong)

The editor who hopes to rekindle the old man's spark and guide Jeff's career, yet is also confronted with corruption and the fallout from risky reporting. He balances professional compromises with the integrity of the newsroom.

🏢 Editor 🧭 Guidance

D. A. Hardin S. Kelly (Paul Harvey)

A powerful district attorney who manipulates prosecutions for political gain and re-election. He embodies institutional corruption and demonstrates the dangers of politics influencing justice.

🏛️ Corruption ⚖️ Power

Carlos Marquez (Charles Stevens)

The defendant falsely convicted of a murder due to misinterpretation and flawed journalism. His case becomes the central platform for examining justice and truth.

⚖️ Justice ⚠️ Miscarriage of justice

Tomas Almedo (Frank Puglia)

A figure involved in the murder investigation; while not elaborated in the summary, he appears as part of the case surrounding the crime and its courtroom drama.

🧩 Minor character 🗂️ Case

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:05

Major Themes – Behind the News (1940)

Explore the central themes of Behind the News (1940), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔎 Investigation vs Corruption

The film centers on uncovering truth amid corruption within politics and law enforcement. Jeff's persistence challenges the established narratives and demonstrates journalism's power to confront entrenched interests. The tension between sensationalism and accuracy drives the story forward.

👥 Mentorship and Rivalry

A veteran reporter mentors a rookie, but their relationship is strained by pride and skepticism. Jeff's tenacity tests the older generation's approach, leading to growth and a reevaluation of newsroom dynamics. The dynamic highlights the ethical balance between experience and fresh inquiry.

⚖️ Truth vs Due Process

Misinterpretation and rushed convictions threaten the innocent, underscoring the risk of faulty journalism. Jeff's willingness to revisit the case shows journalism's role in safeguarding due process. The eventual uncovering of corruption reinforces the need for careful evidence and verification.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:05

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Behind the News Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Behind the News, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Behind the News Summary

Behind the News Timeline

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Behind the News Timeline

More About Behind the News

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