Nothing Sacred 1937
Directed by
William A. Wellman
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
New York newspaper reporter Wally Cook (Fredric March) finds himself in hot water after misreporting the story of Harlem bootblack Ernest Walker, whom he mistakenly refers to as a nobleman from the East hosting a charity affair. Faced with the fallout, Cook claims ignorance but is promptly demoted to the dreary task of writing obituaries. Desperate for redemption, he pleads with his boss Oliver Stone (Walter Connolly) for another chance, pointing to a compelling story about Hazel Flagg, a woman believed to be suffering from radium poisoning.
This leads Wally to the fictional town of Warsaw, Vermont, where he finally finds Hazel (Carole Lombard). To his surprise, she is not so much on the verge of dying as she is upset by the news that her doctor has delivered: she is, in fact, not terminally ill and realizes she might be stuck in Vermont forever. Unfazed by her tears, Wally extends an invitation for Hazel and her doctor to visit New York as honored guests of the Morning Star newspaper.
Hazel’s inspiring story becomes a sensational hit, boosting the newspaper’s circulation significantly. She is showered with accolades, receiving a ticker-tape parade and the key to the city, becoming a beacon of hope for many. As the romance blossoms between Wally and Hazel, he, under the impression that she is dying, proposes to her. After a thorough examination by three independent doctors unveils that Hazel is indeed not on the brink of death, city officials, along with Stone, decide it’s best to avoid the ensuing embarrassment—they concoct a story that she has left to die “like an elephant.” In a twist of fate, Hazel and Wally tie the knot and set sail for a new life in the tropics, filled with love and optimism.
Timeline
Wally Cook's Misreporting
New York reporter Wally Cook finds himself in serious trouble after he mistakenly reports Harlem bootblack Ernest Walker as a nobleman hosting a charity event. This misreport leads to significant backlash, jeopardizing his credibility and position at the newspaper.
Demotion to Obituaries
Following the fallout from his misreporting, Wally Cook is demoted to the bleak task of writing obituaries, a job far removed from the thrill of breaking news. Faced with the consequences of his error, he struggles with the reality of his new position.
Plea for Redemption
Desperate to regain his reputation, Wally pleads with his boss, Oliver Stone, for another chance to report a compelling story. He expresses his interest in Hazel Flagg, a local woman rumored to be suffering from radium poisoning, highlighting the potential for a moving narrative.
Journey to Warsaw, Vermont
Wally travels to the fictional town of Warsaw, Vermont, in pursuit of Hazel Flagg. His hope is to capture her story, but he quickly discovers that the reality is much more complicated than he anticipated.
Hazel's Disappointment
Upon meeting Hazel, Wally learns that she is not dying as previously thought and is deeply upset about the news from her doctor. She fears that this means she will be stuck in Vermont and unable to escape her circumstances.
Invitation to New York
Despite Hazel's emotional state, Wally offers her and her doctor an invitation to visit New York as honored guests of the Morning Star newspaper. His intention is to elevate her story and provide her with the recognition she deserves.
Hazel's Rise to Fame
Hazel's story captivates the public and quickly becomes a sensational hit, leading to a significant boost in the newspaper's circulation. She earns accolades, a ticker-tape parade, and even the key to the city for her perceived bravery and struggle.
Blossoming Romance
As Hazel's fame grows, so does her relationship with Wally. He, under the mistaken belief that she is terminally ill, proposes to her, adding a layer of complexity to their budding romance.
Truth Revealed
A thorough examination by three independent doctors reveals that Hazel is not actually dying. This startling truth leads to concern among city officials and Wally about the potential embarrassment they might face if the truth gets out.
Concocting a Cover Story
To mitigate the fallout from Hazel’s diagnosis, city officials and Stone devise a story that she has left to die 'like an elephant.' This plan aims to protect their reputations and avoid public outrage.
Wedding Plans
Despite the chaos surrounding them, Wally and Hazel decide to get married, marking a significant turning point in their story. Their wedding signifies hope and a new beginning amidst the complications of their situation.
Setting Sail for the Tropics
As a couple, Hazel and Wally prepare to set sail for a new life in the tropics. Filled with love and optimism, they look forward to their future and the adventures that await them.
Characters
Wally Cook
Wally is a determined newspaper reporter who becomes embroiled in a scandal due to his aspirations for a big scoop. His character is marked by a combo of ambition and naivety, leading him to make missteps along the way. Throughout the story, he shows a deepening capacity for empathy and love, illustrating growth in character.
Hazel Flagg
Hazel is portrayed as a spirited woman whose life takes an unexpected turn due to a misdiagnosis. Initially facing despair, her character evolves as she becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. Hazel's journey reflects her inner strength and adaptability amidst the turmoil of public attention and personal revelations.
Oliver Stone
Oliver is Wally's boss, embodying the tough love manager archetype. He provides the necessary challenges that push Wally onto his path of redemption. Throughout the film, his character highlights the significance of mentorship and the complexities of managerial decisions within the fast-paced world of journalism.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in the mid-20th century, a period marked by significant changes in media and social attitudes. It reflects the growing influence of newspapers in shaping public perception and the beginnings of celebrity culture surrounding personal narratives.
Location
Warsaw, Vermont, New York
Warsaw is a fictional town in Vermont known for its serene landscapes and small-town charm. It contrasts with the bustling city of New York, which is a hub of news and culture. These two locations highlight the drastic difference between rural life and urban excitement.
Themes
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Love
The theme of love is central to the movie as Wally and Hazel's relationship develops against the backdrop of miscommunication and misconceptions. Their bond grows through shared experiences, showcasing how love can indeed flourish in unexpected circumstances. In the end, their love triumphs over adversity, leading to a hopeful beginning.
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Media Ethics
Media ethics plays a significant role in the narrative, as Wally's misreporting leads to a series of mistaken assumptions that drive the plot. The film critiques the sensationalism often present in journalism and raises questions about the responsibility of reporters to present the truth. It highlights the powerful impact stories can have on people's lives.
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