Paul Muni has to get used to hearing "Hi, Nellie!" when he's demoted to the Heartthrobs column in this 1934 film also starring Glenda Farrell and Ned Sparks. When bank official Canfield disappears at the same time as $500,000 and the bank has to close, all the other papers print that Canfield took the money. Managing editor Brad Bradshaw refuses to tie the two incidences together without proof - thus, the demotion. The current Heartthrobs (Farrell) gets a news beat.
This is one of those fast-talking '30s films, probably in response to the MacArthur-Hecht "The Front Page" from 1931. It's all pretty routine except that it stars Paul Muni who, as Brad/Nellie, is a wisecracking, sarcastic editor now mercilessly teased by his cronies. Muni, well known for his dramatic work, shows his expertise at comedy here. Also it's a rare chance to see how handsome he was as he wore so much character makeup and so many costumes throughout his career. He is very good as the determined managing editor turned lonelyhearts columnist. Farrell is her usual sharp-mouthed self; this isn't much of a departure from other roles for her.
Recommended if you want to see Muni in something approaching a comedy.