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.

Behind the News (1940) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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

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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.

Urgent newsroom dramas like in Behind the News

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Buddy reporter duos like in Behind the News

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

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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.

Behind the News Summary

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Behind the News Summary

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Behind the News Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Behind the News

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Behind the News

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