Big News (1929) | Region-Free (DVD) | Starring Carole Lombard and Robert Armstrong

Title: Big News (1929)

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery

Plot Synopsis:
Steve Banks, a hard-drinking newspaper reporter, finds his marriage to Margaret, a fellow reporter for a rival paper, on the rocks due to his alcoholism. Despite being fired, Steve continues to pursue a story about drug dealers. When his editor is murdered, Steve becomes the prime suspect, compelling him to clear his name and salvage his relationship.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Gregory La Cava
• Writers:
  • George S. Brooks (story)
  • Walter DeLeon (screenplay)
  • Jack Jungmeyer (screenplay)
• Cast:
  • Robert Armstrong as Steve Banks
  • Carole Lombard as Margaret Banks
  • Louis Payne as Hensel
  • Wade Boteler as O’Neill
  • Charles Sellon as Addison

IMDb Link:
Big News (1929)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. JoeytheBrit – ★★☆☆☆
   “Big News casts Robert Armstrong and Carole Lombard as a pair of reporters married to each other but working for rival papers. Armstrong is a hard-drinking, devil-may-care type who is fired from his job after a brawl in a speakeasy. He continues to pursue a story about drug dealers and is framed for the murder of his editor. The film is a typical early talkie, with static camera work and stagey direction. Armstrong is charismatic, but the film is otherwise unremarkable.”
2. richy24 – ★★★☆☆
   “This one moves along nicely. Watch for a quick appearance by George ‘Gabby’ Hayes at 4:20 into the movie, and again near the end in the background. The plot is predictable, but the performances are solid, especially from Armstrong. A decent watch for fans of early cinema.”

Meta Description:
“Big News” (1929) is a pre-Code American film directed by Gregory La Cava, featuring Robert Armstrong and Carole Lombard as rival newspaper reporters entangled in a murder investigation amidst personal and professional turmoil.