Nothing Sacred

New York reporter Wally Cook finds himself in serious trouble after he mistakenly reports Harlem bootblack Ernest Walker as a nobleman hosting a charity event. This misreport leads to significant backlash, jeopardizing his credibility and position at the newspaper.

Following the fallout from his misreporting, Wally Cook is demoted to the bleak task of writing obituaries, a job far removed from the thrill of breaking news. Faced with the consequences of his error, he struggles with the reality of his new position.

Desperate to regain his reputation, Wally pleads with his boss, Oliver Stone, for another chance to report a compelling story. He expresses his interest in Hazel Flagg, a local woman rumored to be suffering from radium poisoning, highlighting the potential for a moving narrative.

Wally travels to the fictional town of Warsaw, Vermont, in pursuit of Hazel Flagg. His hope is to capture her story, but he quickly discovers that the reality is much more complicated than he anticipated.

Upon meeting Hazel, Wally learns that she is not dying as previously thought and is deeply upset about the news from her doctor. She fears that this means she will be stuck in Vermont and unable to escape her circumstances.

Despite Hazel's emotional state, Wally offers her and her doctor an invitation to visit New York as honored guests of the Morning Star newspaper. His intention is to elevate her story and provide her with the recognition she deserves.

Hazel's story captivates the public and quickly becomes a sensational hit, leading to a significant boost in the newspaper's circulation. She earns accolades, a ticker-tape parade, and even the key to the city for her perceived bravery and struggle.

As Hazel's fame grows, so does her relationship with Wally. He, under the mistaken belief that she is terminally ill, proposes to her, adding a layer of complexity to their budding romance.

A thorough examination by three independent doctors reveals that Hazel is not actually dying. This startling truth leads to concern among city officials and Wally about the potential embarrassment they might face if the truth gets out.

To mitigate the fallout from Hazel’s diagnosis, city officials and Stone devise a story that she has left to die 'like an elephant.' This plan aims to protect their reputations and avoid public outrage.

Despite the chaos surrounding them, Wally and Hazel decide to get married, marking a significant turning point in their story. Their wedding signifies hope and a new beginning amidst the complications of their situation.

As a couple, Hazel and Wally prepare to set sail for a new life in the tropics. Filled with love and optimism, they look forward to their future and the adventures that await them.