Year: 1984
Runtime: 88 mins
Language: English
A scandalous comedy follows a tenacious tabloid reporter and her rookie photographer, newly assigned to cover the mayor of New York City. While chasing a story, they uncover a tangled web of conspiracy and political corruption that could implicate the beloved mayor himself, forcing them into a wild chase for the truth.
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Lois Thornedyke is an ambitious journalist who works for The Informer, a tabloid newspaper in New York City. Though her editor Troppogrosso wants her to focus on “sex, scandal, and sin”, Lois longs for the days when the newspaper was called The Enforcer, which was then run by her father and had a more respected image. At The Informer, Lois writes under the pen name Louise Thorne. She also moonlights as a volunteer for the re-election campaign of Mayor Claude Franklyn. Franklyn, attracted to Lois and unaware of her affiliation with The Informer, recruits her as his personal assistant. Lois hires Barry Denver as a photographer for Franklyn’s campaign, though Barry’s previous experience was in ornithological photography.
Troppogrosso assigns Lois to investigate a sex club called The Bestiary after he gets a tip that the mayor will be in attendance. Barry and Lois are able to sneak into the club dressed in animal costumes. Though they do not see the mayor, the party is interrupted when a gang of burglars storms the club. Posing as thieves themselves in order to get a scoop, Lois and Barry end up in the thieves’ hideaway, where Barry discovers to his dismay that Lois is actually Louise Thorne of The Informer, and that he has inadvertently been working for the tabloid the whole time.
It is revealed that Franklyn is actually the boss of the crime syndicate that was involved in the club robbery, and he had hired Troppogrosso to orchestrate the robberies as well as to run the tabloid, which is fifty percent owned by Franklyn. Franklyn admits this to Lois and Barry while they are on a plane en route to a campaign event. In exchange for not releasing the incriminating evidence to the public, Lois makes a deal with the mayor to have the name of The Informer changed back to The Enforcer. Later, the front page of the revamped newspaper announces that the mayor has won re-election and Lois and Barry are engaged.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:47
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 comedies where plucky journalists uncover a web of corruption.If you liked the sleazy, energetic vibe of Not for Publication, you'll enjoy these other movies where ambitious journalists uncover political corruption. This list features fast-paced comedies with a satirical edge, perfect for fans of undercover antics and tabloid-driven mysteries.
These stories typically follow a protagonist, often a journalist or an unlikely investigator, who stumbles upon a conspiracy. The narrative is driven by a series of increasingly absurd and comedic events as they go undercover, leading to a reveal that solves the mystery and often results in personal or professional triumph.
They are grouped by their shared blend of a fast-paced investigative plot with a consistently light, comedic tone. The focus is on the mischievous energy of the chase and satirical takes on institutions, rather than heavy drama or real danger.
Whirlwind romantic comedies built around a madcap chase for the truth.Fans of the rapid-fire antics and romantic chemistry in Not for Publication will love these other neo-screwball chase comedies. Discover movies with a similar blend of a fast-paced mystery, witty banter, and a lighthearted tone that keeps the energy high from start to finish.
The narrative pattern revolves around a central MacGuffin or secret that sets a chaotic plot in motion. The protagonists are typically opposites who are forced together, and their journey to uncover the truth is filled with comedic set pieces, narrow escapes, and growing romantic tension, culminating in a satisfying and happy resolution.
These movies share a specific mix of a fast pace, light tone, a central chase or investigation plot, and the dynamic of a comedic duo. The experience is defined by its energetic, playful feel and the balance between plot-driven suspense and character-driven humor.
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Discover movies like Not for Publication 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.
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