Five Star Final Movie Review

Partial, Ambitious, and Direct was the climate of journalism in the early 1900s. As Journalism was growing and becoming more of a solidified profession, the ability to commodify it rose as well. This led to cut-throat competition between major Press Barons to gain the public’s attention and have the most readers. These characteristics of journalism as an industry during this time were displayed by Mervyn LeRoy in his movie, Five Star Final.  

Whenever there were scenes of the newsroom in the film, the characters who were working ther always emphasized that their newspaper was for the public’s approval, thus appealing to their emotions. Since excitement and peaking interest was the goal, Randall and his team of journalist set out to bait the public with a sensational article about a female murderer.

In this film, Edward G. Robinson as Joseph Randall plays as the managing editor of a major newspaper that is trying to dig up dirt on an old murder case for an engaging article. The story then follows the family surrounding the murder case, and how Joseph Randall’s newspaper article affects them, and eventually himself. What’s interesting about this film is the dramatization of the use of sensationalist and yellow journalism. 

It was during the investigative part of the film that the elements of yellow journalism came into play. The investigative team not only lied to get the information about the story, but also embellished what they heard, displaying their sole devotion to readership and disregard for the truth. Once the publication was made the damage was done. The lack of empathy combined with corporate greed led to a disregard for the feelings and comfortability of the family in question.  

The realization of the mistake that journalist made largely impacted the characters themselves as well as the audience. In pursuit of success, they, “grew rich on filth,” which got flung right back in their faces, and they felt it.  

Five Star Final ultimately spoke volumes about the power of the press. The dramatization of the effects of sensational press and yellow journalism were impactful and pointed out the responsibility of journalist to tell strictly the whole truth. That should be the goal, always.  

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Sharing journalism history is important, not only for writers, but also for the public as to know where their media came from. As our class shared their journalism presentations, I was reminded of that fact. After hearing what everyone had to say, the presentation that interested me the most focused on the Penny Press and its effect and overlap with Yellow Journalism. Both developments displayed the impact that a few small materials and dramatic words had on the world.  

Being sold for one cent, the penny press became a new and innovative way to print and spread news in the United States in 1833. It allowed for Press Barons to sell their newspapers for a cheaper price, all while gaining loyal readers through subscriptions. This payment method allowed for people in the working class to have more access to a reputable news source.  

  

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The price of the Penny Press was not the only feature that made it attractive, it was the use of Yellow Journalism in each edition that truly captivated their readers. This form of journalism valued sensationalism and emotion over facts, playing on the readers sensibilities and want to be socially aware. Articles about human interest pieces, local news, crime, scandals, gossip, and other captivating events were published. In summation, propaganda became popularized and more widespread at this time.  

Although seemingly harmless on a small scale, the rise of yellow journalism added major fuel to the fire of intense international issues, the Spanish-American War being one of them. Newspapers, including William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, in the late 1890s, published instigating articles in response to a U.S. navy ship being sunk. These articles insinuated that Spain was behind the atrocity, even though that had not been proven. Ultimately, this would be a major catalyst for the U.S. going to war with Spain. 

From the Penny Press till present day, journalism has continued to utilize human emotion and attention to gain viewership. Today, we see yellow journalism everywhere. From digital news headlines, to verbal remarks made from news anchors to click-bait on informational videos. It is a staple for our media. However, the question remains on whether yellow journalism is a step in the right direction or an infiltrator in accurate media.  

The North Star Newspaper

“Right is of no sex—Truth is of no color—God is the Father of us all, and we are brethren.” A striking statement made from one of the most prominent abolitionist newspapers of the late 19th century, the North Star Newspaper. Founded by Frederick Douglass in 1841, this newspaper’s purpose was to promote the freedom of enslaved African Americans in hopes of ending slavery overall. Even the name “The North Star,” or Polaris, was a symbol of hope as the North Star itself was used as a guide for slaves in America who attempted the journey to free states.  

As for the founder of the newspaper himself, Frederick Douglass was a former slave who became a well-known writer, editor, and entrepreneur. Born in Talbot County, Maryland, in 1818, Frederick Douglass taught himself how to read and write, allowing him to communicate with others, and eventually make it to freedom. As a free man, he became involved with the abolitionist movement and spoke on that topic heavily. 

Because of Douglass’ passion for African American freedom and intellectual improvement, it led him to begin his newspaper in New York called the North Star Newspaper. This newspaper provided him with an outlet to express his opinions and concerns regarding America’s progress in abolishing slavery. The newspaper itself went through three phases over the course of its publishing years. 

The first phase of Douglass’ Newspaper was still under the name, the North Star Newspaper, and began in 1847. This phase of the newspaper focused more on slavery’s effects on elements of society such as education or politics. Articles surrounding the Wilmot Proviso or The Fugitive Slave Act were written during this time. To financially support it, Douglas went on a speaking tour in Europe where he met British abolitionist Julia Griffiths who helped with funding as well. 

In 1851, for financial reasons, the North Star Newspaper merged with the Liberty Party Paper and created Frederick Douglass’ Paper. In this second phase of the newspaper, Douglass wrote largely about the Civil War as it was a significant event in his lifetime and American History. He also introduced a monthly that reinforced the strong ideals and messages mentioned in the weekly edition of his newspaper.  

At this time in Douglass’ life, he became established as a political abolitionist. Encouraged by his wealthy colleague, Gerrit Smith, who also financially supported Douglass’ newspaper, Douglass began

to publicly express his ideas on how American society could move forward structurally post slavery. He would largely pull from and analyze the U.S. Constitution and Christian Doctrine to form his ideals and future visions of society. Those ideas were incorporated into Douglass’ last phase of his newspaper called the New National Era.  

Introduced in Washington D.C. in 1870, the New National Era newspaper culminated Douglass’ news reporting journey. As the Civil War came to an end, America had to undergo reconstruction and faced other social and political issues. All of these events were fuel for Douglass to write about and share his opinions on with the masses. Specifically, groups like the KKK and labor unions made their way into articles in the New National Era newspaper. In the end, as Douglass’ name grew, his time for his newspaper dwindled and he gave it over to his sons. 

Ultimately, as an African American in the growing US at a time of great racial disparity, Frederick Douglass used his writing to inform, inspire, and empower the black community as well as other U.S. citizens. Instead of solely pointing out the problems in society, the North Star, along with the other forms of his newspapers, encouraged a sophisticated change in order to better the lives of African Americans for the future.