''This Man is News'' is a 1938 British comedy film, comedy mystery film directed by David MacDonald (director), David MacDonald and starring Barry K. Barnes, Valerie Hobson, Alastair Sim and Edward Lexy. The screenplay concerns a journalist who solves a crime of which he himself is suspected . A "Cinematograph Films Act 1927, quota quickie", it was made for a mere £6,000, but "was among the highest grossing films of 1938". It was loosely modelled on the American ''The Thin Man, Thin Man'' series of films. A sequel, ''This Man in Paris'', was made in 1939.

Plot

Simon Drake (Barnes) has predicted the death of a prominent man in advance, which makes him Scotland yard's top suspect for his murder; the only one who believes in his innocence is his loyal wife Pat (Hobson). Meanwhile, Macgregor (Sim) is Drake's beleaguered city editor, who hires and fires him multiple times depending on how guilty or innocent he looks at the moment.

Cast

* Barry K. Barnes as Simon Drake * Valerie Hobson as Pat Drake * Alastair Sim as Lochlan Macgregor * Edward Lexy as Inspector Hollis * Garry Marsh as Sergeant Bright * John Warwick as Johnnie Clayton * Philip Leaver as "Harelip" Murphy * James Birrie as Doyle * David Keir as Brown

Critical reception

''TV Guide'' gave the film three out of five stars and wrote, "Though Barnes and Hobson may not quite be another William Powell and Myrna Loy, they handle the assignment with humor and great style. The film is directed with energy and the dialogue helps carry the brisk pace along. This is the first screenwriting credit for Basil Dearden, who would go on to do many stories, both serious and topical, in association with noted British producer and art director Michael Relph."

References

External links

* 1938 films British comedy mystery films 1930s comedy mystery films Films shot at Pinewood Studios Quota quickies Films produced by Anthony Havelock-Allan Paramount Pictures Films with screenplays by Basil Dearden British black-and-white films 1938 comedy films 1930s English-language films 1930s British films English-language comedy mystery films {{1930s-UK-comedy-film-stub