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The Star Reporter

 

The Star Reporter - 1931 | 44mins | Drama | B&W

The Production Team

Director: Michael Powell.
Producer: Jerome Jackson.
Script: Michael Powell and Ralph Smart. (from the novel by Philip Macdonald)
Cinematography: Geoffrey Faithfull and Michael Powell.
Art Direction: Frank Wells.

The Cast

Harold French - Major Starr
Isla Bevan - Lady Susan Loman
Garry Marsh - Mandel
Spencer Trevor - Lord Longbourne
Antony Holles- Bonzo
Noel Dainton - Colonel
Elsa Graves - Oliver
Philip Morant - Jeff

Plot Synopsis

Lord Langbourne is persuaded by Mendel to claim the insurance money on a 'lost' diamond belonging to his daughter Lady Susan Loman, planning to steal the jewel himself. The scheme is foiled by Lady Susan's chauffeur Major Starr, actually a newspaper reporter. Mendel falls to his death following a rooftop chase and Starr marries Lady Susan.

The Star Reporter, Powell later recalled was "fun and I was not ashamed of it". Harold French was a real pro. He understood comedy timing and I learned from him every day'. This now 'lost' film was released as support to Frank Capra's Platinum Blonde. 'It scarcely has the sparkle of the big feature', said one review, at which Powell was delighted.