Rain Bow Academy

  • Subscribe to our RSS feed.
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Facebook
  • Digg

Sunday, 15 September 2013

PICTURE SNATCHER: CAGNEY TURNS YELLOW! (yellow journalism, that is)

Posted on 16:35 by Unknown
This post is part of the Journalism is Classic Film Blogathon hosted by Comet Over Hollywood and Lindsay's Movie Musings.
Picture Snatcher Job Description
There's good, classic journalism, there's hard-hitting journalism, and then there is that old favorite of the masses, yellow journalism. Dating back to the late 19th century and a feud between the Hearst and Pulitzer New York newspapers, yellow journalism generally is defined by a sleazy and sensationalized approach to its topic - a perfect theme for a Warner Brothers quickie starring that pre-code prince of amorality, James Cagney.
Cagney practices his technique
In this 1933 goodie, Jimmy plays Danny Kean, a gangster (naturally) who harbors a secret desire to be a newspaper reporter. Once he completes the obligatory detention in the clink, Danny turns over the "business" to Jerry the Mug (the dirty dog who set him up) and decides to go  - if not straight - at least not quite so crooked.
Ralph Bellamy as Al - yellow stains are not just from tobacco
He calls on old pal Al McLean, the editor of the bright yellow Graphic News. Now, Al is a broken down has-been who once offered Danny a job, never thinking the kid would ever take him up on it. But here's Danny, ready and eager like a pit bull puppy. Al is played by Ralph Bellamy, who does a wonderful job as the alcoholic newsman who has fallen about as low as he can go. Danny proves his spunk by using unethical means to get a prized photo of a fireman who, having found his wife and lover dead from a fire, was refusing to come out of his smoldering home.

Danny, with his questionable ethics, fits right in at the Graphic News. When a group of journalism students show up for a tour, Danny imparts all of his journalistic wisdom while making goo-goo eyes at one of the academic cuties (Patricia Ellis as Pat). He describes his job as tracking down the saps who don't want their pictures in the papers. When asked which was his toughest subject, he answered "the Governor." Why? He had to ask his pardon.

Professor Cagney and his students
Shouldn't someone have fired the teacher that sent those kids to the Graphic News rather than the New York Times? Just askin'.....

Naturally, Danny falls for the classy Pat and naturally her father is the police officer who sent Danny to the slammer in the first place. Danny fixes that little dilemma by getting another newspaper to run a glowing story about the protective father. In fact, the story is so influential, the officer is promoted and grateful to Danny. There's also a nice little side story with snazzy Alice White as Allison, a copy writer who romances Al and runs after Danny.
Alice White wants to collaborate with Cagney
Things come to a head when a big story erupts - a woman is to be executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing - and the Graphic News staff, because of the paper's low reputation, is not invited. Danny goes so far as to steal an invitation from another reporter which proves to be useless. But, surprise! Pat's dad is in charge of invited guests! He sneaks Danny in and all who view the execution are reminded that no photos are allowed. Danny, who never met a rule he couldn't bend or break, has secretly strapped a camera to his leg and snaps a picture of the execution.
Ready for a close-up
Danny becomes the scourge of journalism and is chased by a hoard of angry and outraged pressmen. Handing Al the prize photo, the Graphic News lives down to its reputation as the sleaziest tabloid in town. The publication of the photo leads to Pat's dad's demotion, so naturally Pat gives Danny the heave-ho.
The sensational photo
Danny, who has been drowning his sorrow with some hooch, also ticks off fellow alcoholic Al when he sees faithless Allison making the moves on Danny (who is not interested). But Al soon catches on to Allison's faithless ways and quits her, the booze and the Graphic News. But, alls well that ends well. Danny and Al get the scoop on Danny's old partner, Jerry the Mug. This leads to their employment at a real, legitimate newspaper, the Daily Record. Just to make things sweeter, good old dopey dad gets reinstated and Pat and Danny are reunited. Yay!
Cagney gets the job and the girl
All this in 77 minutes (and filmed in 15 days)! This neat and snappy little film is a true example of the Warner Brothers ripped-from-the headlines school of film and is based upon a real life picture snatcher who smuggled a camera strapped to his leg into the execution of murderess Ruth Snyder. The resulting photo was subsequently and sensationally published on the front page of the New York Daily News. For anyone who lives in New York, they can attest that the Daily News has much, still, in common with the Graphic News!

The real execution photo
For more on the Ruth Snyder story, click here.

"Picture Snatcher" is a Warner Brothers and Cagney pre-code home run with lots of fast and funny dialogue. Cagney is a joy and totally in his element as the toughie who knows that all newspaper is eventually good for is wrapping herring.
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook
Posted in James Cagney, Journalism, Picture Snatcher | No comments
Newer Post Older Post Home

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Popular Posts

  • Remembering Natalie Wood: You Don't Know What You've Got 'Till It's Gone
    For no particular reason, I have been thinking of Natalie Wood a lot lately and missing her.  She was ever present in my life as a pre-teen,...
  • The Tattooed Police Horse: It's All About the Hair!
    This is my contribution to the Hoseathon hosted by " My Love of Old Hollywood . " Giddyup over here and check out the rest of the...
  • Giving Them The Slip: When Passion Meets Fashion
    This is my contribution to The Hollywood Revue's Fashion in Film Blogathon. Click HERE for more fashion, more fun and more fabulosity!...
  • Clara Bow and Gilbert Roland: Brief Romance, Lasting Tenderness
    I am hoping that someday a movie will be made about the life of Clara Bow. Not a trashy version based on scandals, but an insightful depicti...
  • Movie Books I Love: People Will Talk by John Kobal
    This is an occasional series featuring my favorite movie books. Before TCM and the internet, the only way to satisfy my passion to know more...
  • Mary Astor: The Prisoner of Moorcrest
    Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess whose mean father and evil mother worked her to the bone, lived off her earnings and kept he...
  • SCANDAL! Clara Bow: The It Girl's Lifestyle on Trial
    Welcome to 2013 - a year of scandals at  A Person in the Dark . Yes, I love movies, but I confess I am a sucker for those juicy Hollywood sc...
  • BARBARA STANWYCK: STRONG THE STANWYCK WAY
    Thirteenth and last  in a series about strong women in film. Strong women are independent, beautiful, sexy, feminine and just want everythin...
  • Scandal! Mabel and Edna's New Year's Celebration
    Welcome to 2013 - a year of scandals at  A Person in the Dark . Yes, I love movies, but I confess I am a sucker for those juicy Hollywood sc...
  • And The Oscar Goes To... Some Criminally Overlooked Categories
    My popcorn and Dom Perignon are at the ready and my tiara is on straight! As I settle in for a long night of red carpets, longer speeches, h...

Categories

  • "Love Affair." Irene Dunne
  • 2011 CiMBA Nominations
  • 2014 calendar
  • 7 x 7 Award
  • A Song in the Dark
  • A Touch of Class
  • Abbott and Costello
  • Academy Awards
  • Actors in Drag
  • Aging Stars
  • Amazon.com
  • Ann Dvorak
  • Ann Sheridan
  • Anna Karenina
  • Auction
  • Audrey Hepburn
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • Barbra Streisand
  • Basil Rathbone
  • Baz Luhrmann
  • Ben Model
  • Bette Davis
  • Big Night
  • Billie Dove
  • Billy Wilder
  • Bing Crosby
  • Bitches and Blaggards
  • Blazing Saddles
  • Blue Jasmine
  • Bob Hope
  • Burt Lancaster
  • Buster Keaton
  • Carey Mulligan
  • Carole Lombard
  • Cary Grant
  • Castle on the Hudson
  • Cate Blanchett
  • Chaplin the Musical
  • Charles Boyer
  • Charlie Chaplin
  • Cher
  • Chicago
  • Christina Rice
  • Christmas
  • City for Conquest
  • Clara Bow
  • Clark Gable
  • Classic Film Six Degrees of Separation
  • Classic Film Stars
  • Classic Films
  • Clifton Webb
  • CMBA Blogathon
  • Colleen Moore
  • Constance Talmadge
  • Contrance Talmadge
  • Dana Andrews
  • Dark Ladies of Warners
  • Debbie Reynolds
  • Doris Day
  • Dorothy Lamour
  • Double Indemnity
  • Douglas Fairbanks
  • Dueling Divas Blogothon
  • Edna Purviance
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Elvia Presley
  • Erich Von Stroheim
  • Errol Flynn
  • Eva Marie Saint
  • Exotic Actors
  • Exotic Actresses
  • favorite movie scenes
  • Film Fashion
  • Food
  • Frank Sinatra
  • From Scarface to Scarlett
  • Gail Patrick
  • Gals with guns
  • Gary Cooper
  • Gaslight
  • Gene Kelly
  • Gene Tierney
  • George Sanders
  • Georges Melies
  • Ghosts
  • Gilbert Roland
  • Glenn Close
  • Gloria Swanson
  • Gossip
  • Grace Kelly
  • Greta Garbo
  • Guilty Pleasures
  • Haiku
  • Halloween
  • Hayley Mills
  • Helen Morgan
  • Her Sister From Paris
  • Holiday (1930)
  • How To Steal a Million
  • Hugo
  • Humphrey Bogart
  • Ingrid Bergman
  • Irene Dunne
  • Isn't it Romantic?
  • Jack Palance
  • James Cagney
  • James Mason
  • James Stewart
  • Jane Greer
  • Jane Russell
  • Jean Hagen
  • Jean Harlow
  • Jeanette MacDonald
  • Jeanne Eagles
  • Joan Blondell
  • Joan Crawford
  • Joan Fontaine
  • John Barrymore
  • John Garfield
  • John Gilbert
  • John Kobal
  • Journalism
  • Jude Law
  • Judith Anderson
  • Judy Garland
  • July 4th
  • Katharine Hepburn
  • Kay Francis
  • Keira Knightley
  • Kendra Bean
  • Kiki
  • Kim Novak
  • Lana Turner
  • Laurence Olivier
  • Leave Her to Heaven
  • Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Liebster Award
  • Lina Lamont
  • Lita Grey
  • Lizabeth Scott
  • Loretta Young
  • Louise Brooks
  • Love Me Tonight
  • Mabel Normand
  • Mae Murray
  • Mae West
  • Maggie Smith
  • Manhattan
  • Marilyn Miller
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Marjorie Morningstar
  • Marlene Dietrich
  • Marlon Brando
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Mary Astor
  • Mary Miles Minter
  • Mary Pickford
  • Maurice Chevalier
  • Mediums
  • men who smoke
  • Michael Douglas
  • Michael G. Ankerich
  • Miriam Cooper
  • Miriam Hopkins
  • Movie Book I Love
  • Movie Books I Love
  • Movie Crushes
  • Movie Musicals
  • Movie Snob
  • movie star mad libs
  • My Favorite Movie Books
  • My Movie Dream Book
  • Myrna Loy
  • Nancy Carroll
  • Natalie Wood
  • New Years 2013
  • New York City
  • Norma Desmond
  • Norma Talmadge
  • Obsessions
  • Olive Thomas
  • On the Waterfront
  • Orson Welles
  • Pamela Franklin
  • Paramount
  • Paris
  • Paulette Goddard
  • Peter O'Toole
  • Photoplay Magazine
  • Picture Snatcher
  • Platinum Blonde
  • Pola Negri
  • Portrait Photographers
  • Pre-Code Films
  • Psychics
  • Queen Kelly
  • Rear Window
  • recycled Hollywood costumes
  • Richard Widmark
  • Rita Hayworth
  • Robert Preston
  • Robert Redford
  • Roberto Rossellini
  • Robin Hood
  • Ronald Colman
  • Roscoe Arbuckle
  • Rudolph Valentino
  • Scandal
  • Sex and the City
  • Sexy Stars
  • Shirley Jones
  • Silent Films
  • Singing in the Rain
  • Spirits
  • Stars portraying stars
  • Stars who died young
  • Strong Women in film
  • Sunset Boulevard
  • Susan Hayward
  • Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise
  • Sweet Blogger
  • Take Her For a Ride
  • TCM Tour
  • Thaksgiving
  • The Apartment
  • The Artist
  • The Godfather
  • The Great Gatsby
  • The Kid
  • The New York Hat
  • The Norma Desmond Chronicles
  • The Philadelphia Story
  • The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
  • The Producers
  • The Public Enemy
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • The Tattooed Police Horse
  • The Wizard of Oz
  • Theda Bara
  • These Amazing Shadows
  • Three on a Match
  • Tony Randall
  • Twentieth Century
  • Valentines Day
  • Vertigo
  • Vivien Leigh
  • Walt Disney
  • Warren William
  • westerns
  • William Desmond Taylor
  • William Holden
  • William Wyler
  • Woody Allen
  • Ziegfeld

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2013 (41)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ▼  September (4)
      • I'll Take Manhattan (on a TCM Tour!)
      • PICTURE SNATCHER: CAGNEY TURNS YELLOW! (yellow jou...
      • IT'S MOVIE STAR MAD LIBS: THE RESULTS SHOW!
      • LET'S PLAY MOVIE STAR MAD LIBS!
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2012 (56)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  November (5)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (7)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2011 (90)
    • ►  December (7)
    • ►  November (7)
    • ►  October (9)
    • ►  September (7)
    • ►  August (9)
    • ►  July (6)
    • ►  June (7)
    • ►  May (10)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (7)
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (6)
  • ►  2010 (23)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (4)
Powered by Blogger.

About Me

Unknown
View my complete profile