Five Star Final Movie Takeaway

Five star Final was ahead of it's time.

Five Star Final which was filmed in 1931, was already asking tough questions about the media and the responsibility that comes with telling stories.

The film follows Joseph Randall, who is the editor of a struggling newspaper. The paper decides to revive an old incident involving a woman who had been acquitted of murder years earlier and has since rebuilt her life. The newspaper begins digging into her past and digging up her story to attract readers and increase profits. As the coverage goes deeper, so do the consequences.

What makes Five Star Final so impactful is its honest portrayal of media ethics. The film shows how the pursuit of headlines and ratings can lead journalists to lose sight of the human impact behind their stories. Randall starts as someone willing to follow orders to keep the paper alive, but he slowly realizes the damage being done. 

One of the biggest takaways is how modern it feels. Even though it was released in 1931, the themes of propaganda, profit driven news and ethical responsibility are still present in today’s media landscape. The pressure to generate clicks, views and engagement which can lead to journalist living outside of their character.

Randall showed both toughness and vulnerability. His character represents the struggle many journalists face between doing their job and doing what is right. The film’s dramatic ending reinforces the idea that journalism carries a moral responsibility and that careless reporting can have real and devastating consequences.

Five Star Final also stands out because it was bold for its time. In the early 1930s, they couldn't predict how much media is now ran off of clickbait and veiw hunger. But it seems like they did a great job of displaying it, which is something we see happen every single day.

In the end, Five Star Final is more than just an old movie. It is a powerful reminder that journalism is about people, truth and responsibility. Not just about the clicks.