Slander (1956)

If you see this movie it definitely makes you think twice about buying that supermarket tabloid. I do not know if the tabloids still work the same way they did in 1956 but it is very scary to think about. It follows H.R. Manley, the publisher of one of the country's most popular gossip rags, Confidential. He is bound and determined to get the dirt on a famous Broadway star and hunts around in her past. When he does he learns that one of her childhood friends, Scott Martin the new child TV icon, has spent time in prison. He tries to blackmail Scott by telling his wife that he will go public with the story if he does not come up with the dirt on his friend. Being a man of honor Scott does not want to cave into the threat but his agent and wife try to convince him to. Once everything is over a tragedy occurs that changes the course of all of their lives.

This movie is a sad portrait of gossip mongers. A modern day version might be the story of a paparazzi instead of a publisher. Steve Cochran is excellent as the sleazy Manley. His scenes with Marjorie Rambeau, who plays his disgusted mother, are excellent. Van Johnson and Ann Blyth are also wonderful as Mr and Mrs Martin. While it is not out on DVD it is worth catching the next time it is on TCM.