The Famous Ferguson Case (1932)

In a world where the pen wields power, 'The Famous Ferguson Case' paints a picture of the menace of yellow journalism set against the backdrop of the tranquil upstate New York town of Cornwall. A chilling cautionary tale unfolds when George Ferguson, a prominent financier, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Two breeds of journalists from the Big Apple descend upon the quiet town - one in pursuit of pure, unadulterated facts, the other, a hound for scandalous sensationalism. The plot thickens as Mrs. Ferguson, known for her ties with a local banker, emerges as the prime suspect. A damning narrative weaves around the evening of George's murder, where the couple is said to have quarrelled, and she later discloses to the police that 'burglars' were the culprits. The relentless pursuit of the 'bad' journalists not only leads to Mrs. Ferguson's arrest but also pushes the banker's wife to the brink of her health, landing her in the hospital. In this whirlwind of mayhem, Bruce Foster, the young and principled editor of the Cornwall Courier, stands firm, demonstrating to his city counterparts the art of extracting authentic news. As the city reporters exploit their influence to skew justice for their selfish gain, Bruce's quest for truth becomes the beacon of hope. 'The Famous Ferguson Case' is a riveting tale of truth versus sensationalism, a battle waged in the heart of a small town with far-reaching consequences.

The Famous Ferguson Case is a crime movie featuring Joan Blondell and directed by Lloyd Bacon.

The Famous Ferguson Case is currently streaming on TCM.