Year: 1940
Runtime: 75 mins
Language: English
Director: Joseph Santley
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Behind the News (1940) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
The story unfolds inside the relentless rhythm of a bustling city newsroom, where the clatter of typebars and the constant buzz of breaking news create a pressure‑cooked backdrop for ambition and hasty decisions. The film’s tone is fast‑paced and gritty, stitching together the clangor of the press floor with the neon‑lit streets outside, conveying a world where every deadline feels like a life‑or‑death call for a journalist.
At the heart of this environment sits Stuart Woodrow, a world‑weary reporter whose cynicism has been hardened by years of chasing headlines. He is paired with the freshly minted graduate Jeff Flavin, whose eager optimism and raw talent constantly rub against Stu’s seasoned pragmatism. Overseeing their uneasy partnership is Vic Archer, the newspaper’s editor, who hopes the clash will reignite the veteran’s edge and give the newcomer a chance to prove himself. Adding another layer to the mix is Barbara Shaw, the quiet secretary to the district attorney, who serves as a subtle bridge between the newsroom and the legal arena, while Hardin S. Kelly—the ambitious district attorney—casts the political stakes that loom over every story. The courtroom’s own color is highlighted by Carlos Marquez, a figure whose circumstances bring cultural nuance to the unfolding investigation.
The dynamic between the veteran and the rookie drives the film’s core tension: Stu’s habit of keeping emotions at arm’s length meets Jeff’s hunger for the truth, creating a push‑and‑pull that fuels both conflict and growth. Their interactions ripple through the newsroom, affecting colleagues and shaping the paper’s editorial direction. Amid the clamor, a looming racketeering thread weaves through conversations, hinting at deeper corruption that both men feel compelled to expose.
As the narrative accelerates, the audience is invited to feel the electric pulse of a city that never sleeps, the relentless chase for a story, and the fragile balance between journalistic daring and the cost of digging too deep. The film promises a compelling portrait of mentorship, ambition, and the moral tightrope walked by those who live to turn facts into headlines.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:04
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Fast-paced stories where journalists chase the truth against a ticking clock.If you liked the fast-paced, tense atmosphere of 'Behind the News', you'll find more movies like it here. These films capture the urgency of investigative journalism, featuring gritty newsrooms, high-stakes exposés, and reporters dedicated to uncovering the truth.
Stories in this thread typically follow journalists or reporters who are racing against time to break a major story, often involving corruption or crime. The narrative is propelled by deadlines, professional rivalries, and the ethical dilemmas of reporting, culminating in a public vindication of the truth.
Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on the journalistic process, a tense and fast-paced tone, and a setting defined by the urgency of news production. They deliver a specific, cohesive vibe of professional dedication under pressure.
A seasoned cynic and an idealistic newcomer clash but unite to crack the case.Fans of the professional friction and eventual camaraderie in 'Behind the News' will enjoy these similar movies. Discover other stories featuring the classic 'cynic and rookie' dynamic, where clashing personalities must learn to work together to solve a crime or expose corruption.
The narrative pattern revolves around a central partnership that begins with conflict and professional rivalry. Through the challenges of a high-stakes investigation, the pair's initial animosity gives way to mutual respect and mentorship, with both characters undergoing significant growth by the story's end.
These movies are grouped by their central character dynamic, which drives both the conflict and the emotional arc. The blend of tense investigation with character-driven mentorship and rivalry creates a distinct and satisfying narrative experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Behind the News in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Behind the News is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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.
Track the full timeline of Behind the News with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Behind the News. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Behind the News: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Behind the News that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Behind the News (1940) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Behind the News (1940) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Behind the News (1940) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Behind the News – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Front Page (1931) Film Overview & Timeline
Breaking News (2004) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Behind the Screen (1916) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
After Office Hours (1935) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Front Page (1974) Detailed Story Recap
Hi, Nellie! (1934) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Behind the High Wall (1956) Complete Plot Breakdown
Below the Deadline (1946) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Below the Deadline (1936) Full Movie Breakdown
News Hounds (1947) Full Summary & Key Details
Behind The Headlines (1937) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Behind Green Lights (1946) Full Movie Breakdown
Exclusive Story (1936) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Headline Woman (1935) Full Summary & Key Details
Newsboys’ Home (1938) Movie Recap & Themes