Big News 1929
"WISECRACKS! GUNMEN! ACTION!"
Big News (1929) plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of 1920s journalism through the lens of Gregory La Cava's razor-sharp direction.
Director: Gregory La Cava
Cast
Robert Armstrong
Steve Banks
Carole Lombard
Margaret Banks
Louis Payne
Hensel
Wade Boteler
O'Neill
Charles Sellon
J.W. Addison
Sam Hardy
Joe Reno
Tom Kennedy
Officer Ryan
Warner Richmond
Phelps
Helen Ainsworth
Vera
Herbert Clark
Pells
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big News (1929) about?
Big News dives into the turbulent life of a newspaper reporter whose struggles with alcohol and marital strife escalate when he's falsely accused of murder. The film weaves a tale of mistaken identity, professional stakes, and personal growth as he fights to reclaim his reputation and freedom.
Who directed Big News?
Gregory La Cava directed Big News, known for his skill in blending humor with dramatic tension in pre-Code Hollywood productions.
Who stars in Big News?
The film stars Robert Armstrong and Carole Lombard as the central couple, with Louis Payne, Wade Boteler, and Sam Hardy rounding out the cast.
Is Big News (1929) worth watching?
Big News offers a rare snapshot of early talkies, combining sharp comedy with suspenseful crime elements. While not as widely remembered today, its lively pacing and Lombard's performance make it a hidden gem for fans of silent-to-sound films.
How long is Big News?
Big News has a runtime of 75 minutes.
About Big News (1929) — A Glimpse into 1920s Journalism Through Comedy and Crime
Big News (1929) plunges viewers into the high-stakes world of 1920s journalism through the lens of Gregory La Cava's razor-sharp direction. This blend of mystery, comedy, and crime follows a once-ambitious reporter whose personal demons threaten to derail both his career and marriage. When he's wrongly fingered for a murder he didn't commit, the story twists into a gripping tale of redemption and resilience. La Cava's signature wit infuses every scene, balancing humor with suspense as the protagonist races to clear his name. The film's black-and-white cinematography crackles with the energy of a bygone era, capturing the grit and glamour of newspaper life.
Carole Lombard and Robert Armstrong shine as the lead duo, their chemistry adding depth to the chaotic blend of gunshots and wise cracks. The movie's tagline—"WISECRACKS! GUNMEN! ACTION!"—hints at its breakneck pacing and sharp dialogue, making it a standout from the silent-to-talkie transition era. Underneath the laughs and chases lies a poignant exploration of trust and second chances, proving Big News is more than a period piece—it's a time capsule of wit and tenacity.
