Post #5: A Five Star Review for the "Five Star Final"

"You've grown rich on filth."

 I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 1931 film called the "Five Star Final" in class. The New York Evening Gazette managing editor, Joseph Randall, played by Edward Robinson, is determined to revive a twenty year old murder case that involved Nancy Vorhees. She was charged for shooting the father of her child for his infidelity. The film shows Nancy in the present now married while also planning the marriage of her daughter. Joseph Randall sends reporter, T. Vernon Isopod, to cover the story, leading to massive consequences for all.

The newspaper at the end of the film about the death of Nancy and her husband. 

 The movie covered several topics we have discussed already in class such as yellow journalism and how the movie reflected journalism ethics. 

Yellow journalism is extremely visible in the movie and portrays the unethical practices of tabloid newspapers where sensationalism is prioritized over accuracy and ethical reporting. The New York Evening Gazette is the most obvious example of yellow journalism as owner and editor are obsessed with boosting circulation by centering their stories on sensationalist and scandalous categories, even if they are based on misinformation. 

The film shows how the paper used its power to exploit unprotected people, like the Vorhees, for their own personal gain. As a result, this led Nancy and her husband to commit suicide because of their suffering. 

The attempt at trying to get the paper to become a huge success turned for the worst as a vulnerable family was sadly hurt in the process and the newspaper was defeated. This emotional ending just goes to show how journalism can be unethical at times, even today. 

By focusing only on sensationalism, the writers only cared about themselves and their popularity. I believe the quote stated above truly sums up the basis of the movie and the reality of the journalism industry. Yellow journalism emphasizes the concept of "growing rich on filth", that filth being misinformation that hurts people's reputation. 

Overall, I learned to avoid yellow journalism because of the movie as it is hurtful to others and breaks ethical guidelines.