Bulldog Edition

Evalyn Knapp, cartoonist and news hound for the Daily News, works directly for managing editor Regis Toomey. She used to work with Ray Walker over in circulation; he wants her back. Both of these men think of Knapp as more than just a talented colleague. But which one will she choose? Earnest if slightly dull editor Toomey? Or brash fast talker Walker?

The larger plot concerns the crooked schemes of racketeer Cy Kendall and how his machinations affect the rivalry between the Daily News and their competitor, the Star. As plots go, it really isn't much, but the direction and photography are better than the script....

A number of nice little touches do show attention to detail and a creative spirit. For example—Walker going into a night club phone booth to try to lure Toomey away from their table with a fake phone call: the shot frames not just Walker on his phone but also the hat check girl far across the room picking up her phone and answering his call. It ain't much, but a nicely composed shot like that compensates for a fair portion of silly dialog.

Knapp is pretty good. She gets to make faces and offer sassy comments, and she exudes plenty of energy. Close ups show off her big eyes widened in surprise or excitement.

Ray Walker is fine as the smooth talking circulation man, although his character is rather annoying….Good grief, he lets Knapp get tossed in jail just so he can get a good story out of it, and then tells her he did it to make her a big star. Naturally, she really likes him even though she says she doesn't…. Regis Toomey tries hard but his character just doesn't have much to do except protest in vain.

Cy Kendall is at his best here—the man who played the B movie villain better than almost anybody. He smirks, he sneers, he grins. His scenes are the film's highlights, for me at least.

Overall, it's very competently put together but lacks any really distinguishing elements like snappy dialog or unique characters.