The Murder Man (1935) User Reviews

Exceptional, but don't blink or you'll miss Errol Flynn!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 27 August 2007]

This is an exceptional little film due to an excellent script. Spencer Tracy stars as an alcoholic newspaper man who specializes in covering murder investigations. His ability to guess what occurred and how it occurred is amazing--as again and again he's able to piece together the little it of evidence they have to determine the facts of the case. As a result, he always beats out the competing papers for breaks in the investigation. However, Spencer actually has a bit of an edge in this particular case, but I don't want to say more as it would spoil the film.

The writing, acting and direction are all exceptional and the film is well worth seeing. Overall, an excellent effort by Tracy playing a role VERY close to home, as he himself was an alcoholic and binge drinker in real life--just like the character in the film. Also, look for a very young Jimmy Stewart in a rather bland supporting role before he became a star.

"Well, here's that story you've been waiting for"

[ackstasis · 7/10 · 20 February 2011]

Steve Grey (Spencer Tracy) is the best homicide newspaper journalist in the city: they call him "the Murder Man." If there's a murder, he'll get all the inside information, and he'll have it on the press first. That he always succeeds despite a debilitating weakness for alcohol is considered by colleagues simply a part of his genius. In the killing of investment broker (read: con artist) James Spencer Halford – snipered in a car from a streetside shooting gallery – Grey is once again on the frontline, with an uncanny knack for reporting murder details before even the police know them.

Grey plays the story from both sides, as a pivotal witness in the murder case against Henry Mander, the victim's business associate, and as a reporter ostensibly reporting the unbiased facts (intriguingly, it's a two-way street, since Grey often twists the facts to his advantage). This MGM drama, which I had expected to be as grim as the similarly- themed 'Crime Without Passion' with Claude Rains, is surprisingly light- hearted in tone for the most part. Particular amusement is provided by the lanky young form of Jimmy Stewart, boasting a cheerful cockeyed grin in his feature debut. Jimmy's first ever words in a prolific movie career? "Hi, Joe!"

James Stewart's first credited film role

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

This is one of those films that plays very well because it's so well acted and directed. It's very contrived, but that's the fun of it, really.

Steve Grey (Spencer Tracy) is a homicide reporter - the murder man - for a big city paper. He's always drinking too much and sullen, but his editor loves him because he always seems to have a good handle on murders. When a crooked stock broker is murdered - shot to death while riding in his car - his equally crooked business partner looks to be the culprit and is arrested and tried for the crime. Steve Grey covers this story with the same flair, aplomb, and ability that he's been known for, and he always seems to be one step ahead of all of the other reporters. There's good reason for that, and I'll let you watch and find out why, but it turns out to be a great character study of "the murder man" with Tracy getting a dynamite role for his first film at MGM. Just don't expect something along the lines of "The Thin Man", because it is not that kind of film.

I'd probably make this one an 8/10 if not for Virginia Bruce who plays the writer of the advice column on the paper and who loves Tracy's character for no good reason that I could find. He doesn't treat her well, he's a rather mean drunk, he doesn't let her in emotionally, and he seems morbidly stuck on his dead wife. Bruce's character goes around doe-eyed and over emoting like she's in a silent film.

This was not only James Stewart's first film at MGM, but it was also his first credited film role ever. He plays a reporter on the same paper as Grey but is considered one of the minor or "cub" reporters. He still shows some of those trademark James Stewart expressions. For example, the editor is going to send Stewart - or "Shorty" as he is called here - to do an interview in the death house at Sing Sing. But then the editor rethinks this and says Steve would be better for it. The editor doesn't mean to hurt Shorty's feelings when he says "this job needs more than just any reporter" but that's what it does. Stewart indicates with just a look that he has been disrespected, doesn't like it one bit, but doesn't know what to say or how to react.

Look for Jimmy Stewart in this, his first film

[SkippyDevereaux · 24 August 2000]

A very good film. It is typical of the 1930's "news reporter" films that were so prevalent back then, and this one holds up very well. Spencer Tracy gives another great performance as the reporter and the rest of the cast help him out with outstanding performances all around. It was something to see Lionel Atwill without a moustache!! Never saw that before!! LOL And it was great to see my favorite character actor, Charles Trowbridge in it also, although he is the prosecuting attorney in the film and not the investor, as it says in his bio on the IMDB. Great little film with a twist ending!! Be sure and catch it when it is on television. You won't be disappointed, I wasn't.

"What does she see in that dipsomaniac?"

[utgard14 · 7/10 · 27 August 2015]

A man is murdered and hard-drinking reporter Spencer Tracy is on the story. Tracy specializes in murder cases, not only scooping other papers but often figuring out the cases before the police do. Here his investigation leads the police to the murdered man's shady business partner. I won't reveal more as this one has a dandy twist. If you haven't watched yet, I strongly recommend you avoid reading too much about this movie so you don't accidentally read any big spoilers.

Tracy's terrific in a complex role in this smart, fast-paced crime drama from MGM. It's notable today for being Jimmy Stewart's film debut (as a reporter named Shorty). Stewart's just one of the many good actors in the supporting cast, which includes Lionel Atwill, William Demarest, Robert Barrat, Harvey Stephens, George Chandler, and beautiful Virginia Bruce as the girl in love with Tracy. This is one that deserves some wider recognition. It's somewhat surprising it was made after the Code was in effect and surprising it was made at MGM. But then again, they made Fury the following year, which also starred Tracy and was grittier than their normal fare. It's worth a look for anyone who's a fan of '30s crime dramas and a must-see for Spencer Tracy fans.

Early Tracy, early Stewart

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 8 May 2006]

Spencer Tracy is a newspaper reporter known as "The Murder Man" in this 1935 drama, also starring Virginia Bruce and Lionel Atwill. James Stewart has a small part as a reporter named Shorty. Two parts of this film are of particular interest, the first being something called a shooting gallery that's not what you think it is. Apparently these carnival/state fair type things where you shoot ducks actually existed along city streets in the '30s. They still do, only today, a shooting gallery is something else entirely. In "The Murder Man," this shooting gallery figures into the plot.

The second thing of interest in this film has to do with the very beginning of the movie, which today, gives away the entire plot. For the 1935 audience, it did not. Without using a spoiler, I'll just say - pay careful attention to the telephone call.

The plot concerns the death of an investment broker and the subsequent indictment of his partner. The Tracy character is Steve Gray, a top reporter who has some personal demons but nevertheless is on top of the case. It's he who demonstrates to the police that the killer actually was standing at the shooting gallery at the time of the murder. He's therefore able to scoop his competitors.

Tracy is very good as the reporter, and Virginia Bruce is lovely as a secretary on the paper who is falling for Steve. It's interesting to see the young Stewart in a minor role, but he fits in well with the ensemble.

The dialogue is quick and sharp, but for this viewer, there was no surprise ending. Worth seeing for two great stars before they really hit it big.

Unusually Dark Tracy Vehicle

[Handlinghandel · 6/10 · 23 May 2006]

Spencer Tracy is the title character. He is a newspaper's ace crime reporter in this very good movie that could have been great.

I've read quite a lot about Tracy's life. The character he plays seems to have many traits and behavioral patterns in common with the real Spencer Tracy, who was apparently a far darker person than many of the benevolent roles he played.

This moves along at a good clip. At times it's upsetting, at others it's exciting.

Virginia Bruce is the lonely-hearts columnist at the paper. She has crush on Tracy but he has secrets and a past that have kept him from allowing a relationship to develop. (A couple years earlier, before the Code, it well might have developed anyway.) Bruce was a beautiful woman, with a poignant, ethereal quality. Here, however, she is unflatteringly costumed, made-up, and/or lit. She comes across more as a mannish, dowdy old maid schoolteacher than the romantic leading lady she was.

"Fury" is not a sunny movie, to say the least. This is another movie that shows a different Tracy we know from his two 1930s Oscar-winning roles, the collaborations with Katharine Hepburn, and "Father of the Bride" and its sequel.

The very darkest of all his movies, however, is "The People Against O'Hara." I consider that one a classic. This is not quite a classic but it's unique and gripping.

You need to pay attention at the start of the movie

[CCsito · 7/10 · 30 August 2009]

This movie includes the first significant starring role for James Stewart who has a supporting part as a newspaper reporter. The main focus of the movie is on Spencer Tracy who is the ace reporter for the New York Star newspaper who is good at reporting on murder cases. The movie starts off with a scene that involves two rather shady money financiers. You need to pay attention to what happens at the start because it is crucial to explaining the conclusion of the movie's storyline. The story involves a murder of one of the shady financiers and the trial of his partner for his murder. Spencer's character appears to have the jump on all of the other newspaper reporters when the headline news comes out during the murder trial. The trial ends with the conviction of the partner and he is sentenced to die. The movie then has a twist that turns the storyline completely in a different direction. Spencer's character makes a voice recording that explains the events that occurred at the start of the movie. Spencer plays a somewhat "bad" character which differs from his many other movie roles in this film. There also wasn't a final conclusion at the end of this movie, so it might leave some viewers disappointed. However, it was a very interesting movie with a surprise twist at the end.

many interesting aspects

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 22 August 2023]

In New York City, crooked investment manager Halford has plenty of enemies and victims. When he gets shot in the head, investigative reporter Steve "The Murder Man" Grey (Spencer Tracy) is put on the case. Steve wakes up from a stupor and quickly focuses on the associate Henry Mander (Harvey Stephens). Gossip columnist Mary (Virginia Bruce) has a crush on him. Shorty (James Stewart) is his fresh face colleague.

This movie has many interesting aspects. It's the first credited role for Jimmy Stewart. For Spencer Tracy, this allows him to do a bit dramatic acting. The story may actually be more intense if Henry is allowed to get loose as a fugitive on the run. This is an interesting premise with quite a shocking twist. Steve's role works so great when it's an everyman actor that everybody likes. I would think that there would be modern remakes but this seems to be a forgotten classic.

Feature film debut of James Stewart.

[JohnHowardReid · 9/10 · 1 April 2018]

Copyright 15 July 1935 by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Corp. New York opening at the Capitol: 26 July 1935. U.S. release: 12 July 1935. Australian release: 1 April 1936. 7 reels. 70 minutes.

SYNOPSIS: Who killed a racketeering investment broker? His partner? A disgruntled client? A discarded lady? A rival "businessman"?

COMMENT: "A"-grade murder mystery which plays scrupulously fair to its viewers. In fact, I would say it's too fair, as a keen-eyed and acute-eared audience will have no trouble spotting the killer straight away. Nonetheless, it's directed with pace and enacted by as fine a cast as M-G-M ever assembled. Tracy in his first outing for the Lion provides a typically driving performance in a characterization which seems remarkably close to the knuckle. Miss Bruce makes a charming and sympathetic "love" interest. Although his role can be counted as small, "Shorty" Stewart will not disappoint his fans as his gawky mannerisms and drawling delivery are already fully fledged. We also enjoyed Lionel Atwill's ingratiating police captain. Aided by a first-class script, Atwill (in a rare totally-on-the-side-of-the-angels part) builds an uncommonly rounded portrait of a dedicated detective.

As for the support players, just look at that cast! I'd love to go through the list and congratulate all, one by one, but let's just say that Lucien Littlefield, as the patently law-abiding shooting gallery-man, and Charles Trowbridge, an immaculate District Attorney, are especially fortunate both in the size and scope of their roles and the vital way in which their scenes are directed by tenacious Tim Whelan.

As well as its powerful direction and cup-runneth-over assembly of Hollywood's brightest players, The Murder Man also boasts a friendly budget with top-of-the-drawer production values plus atmospherically A-1 behind-the-camera credits.

You did the wrong thing but straightened it out the right way

[sol1218 · 7/10 · 20 August 2007]

**SPOILERS**Even though crooked financial investor Henry Mander, Harry Stephens, was nothing but a low down and despicable swine he still didn't deserve the fate that faced him with Mander being just hours away from his trip to the Sing Sing electric chair. Nobody knew that better then the "New York Star" ace crime reporter Stev Gray, Spencer Tracy, yet it was Gray's testimony that put Mander in the very fix that he was in.

The movie "The Murder Man" tries and succeeds to convince it's audience that justice should be blind in it's treatment even of someone as guilty as Henry Mander of the financial crimes that he committed against hundreds of unsuspecting victims. Two of Manders many victims included reporters Gray's both father "Pop" Gray, who lost his life savings in one of of Manders schemes, and his wife Dorothy who was driven to suicide by Mander and his partners J.S Halfords,Theodore Von Eltz actions. Halford not only took Dorothy's money but had an illicit affair with her and then unceremoniously dumped Dorothy leaving her estranged from Steve and out on the street.

It's obvious right from the start that Mander was set up in the murder of his equally sleazy partner J.S Halford as we see him being told in a mysterious phone call to be at this shooting gallery where someone in the vicinity takes a pot shot at Holford, as he was in his open air limousine, that killed him. It doesn't take that long for the police to arrest Mander for his partners Halfords murder and the evidence is that Mander is to be the recipient of a $200,000.00 insurance policy on Halford.

Being the star witness at Manders murder trial Gray's testimony is the icing on the cake that convinced the jury to come back with a guilty verdict that was to send Mander to the electric chair. Having the exclusive to the biggest news story in the city Gray doesn't at all act as if you, or his fellow reporters, expect him to and goes on a drinking binge that has his boss at "The Star" news editor Hal Robins, Robert Barrat, order Gray to take a forced vacation and dry out.

Gray is obviously suffering some kind of severe depression over Manders impending execution but it takes an exclusive interview with Mander just before his scheduled execution for us the realize why. Gray had a lot more to do with Mander's crime and later conviction for it that anyone, but Gray, could have ever imagined and it's the absolutely shocking and surprising conclusion of the movie that put that all into focus.

Powerful crime film that goes against the grain in it's treatment of both the killer and his victim that will really blow you away. Spencer Tracy as Steve Gray gives one of his most underrated as well as, being that the film is almost totally unknown to most movie goers, unseen performance of his long and distinguished career. The movie "The Murder Man" also has the distinction of being James 'Jimmy" Stewart's motion picture debut. The tall, six foot three inch, and lanky Stewart plays Steve Gray's fellow reporter on "The Star" who's ironically referred to by everyone in the movie as "Shorty"!

there must be a billion stories like this out there

[karlericsson · 8/10 · 18 November 2015]

A man is deeply wronged by smart businessmen and acts upon it. He is morally in the right, since the culprit being acted upon would go on with his mayhem if he was not stopped and there was only this way to stop him.

I cannot tell much more without Writing a spoiler but I wanted to Review this film because it tells about a moral code that seems lost today. Today everybody in America seems so committed to business that they would not react like the man above because I hear of no such stories although there must be a billion of them around and seemingly nobody is reacting on them.

Maybe it will happen some time and then it will come like a big Avalanche and sweep most of it Clean - who knows? If it happens though, it will be the end of all business and the beginning of decency.

Tracy Entertains In Early Newspaper Story

[CitizenCaine · 6/10 · 14 May 2004]

The Murder Man is one of several newspaper films from the 1930's that ran the gamut of dramatic to comedic, like The Front Page and His Girl Friday respectively. What it has in common with both is its lightning quick pace and snappy dialog. What it lacks is a believable story and compelling, well drawn characters. Spencer Tracy plays Steve Grey, the murder man, so named because he handles all of the Star newspaper's homicide stories. Tracy played this hard-bitten, dramatic type of role well throughout his career, and this film is no exception. Lionel Atwill is on hand as a police official in an unusual good guy role for him. Virginia Bruce plays an unusually unglamorous role for her, that of Tracy's newspaper co-worker. The film contains a few welcome supporting performances from William Demarest, Lucien Littlefield, and a guy by the name of James Stewart (in his feature film debut). The film rests solely on Tracy's performance to carry it, and he does to a certain extent. However, the twist ending is not that believable and seems almost abrupt. In retrospect, everything in the film leading up to the ending seems contrived. It's still worth viewing for an early Tracy performance and Stewart's debut. **1/2 of 4 stars.

Surprise Twist

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 11 May 2004]

This was one of the first features that Spencer Tracy did for his new studio MGM when they signed him in 1935. At his first studio, 20th Century Fox he was cast in a whole lot of routine action pictures as a two-fisted rugged type in whatever role he played. It's no different here, in fact until he played Father Mullin in San Francisco, Tracy's MGM career promised more roles of the same type.

Here he's a newspaper reporter in the best tradition of The Front Page which this film borrows a lot from. He's called The Murder Man because he's the one the editor, Robert Barrat, call for when he wants coverage on any homicide. He's covering one in this film concerning an investment broker (con artist) who's accused of killing his partner. In fact Tracy provides key evidence for a conviction.

The movie does have a surprise ending which I won't reveal, unusual for a film in the 1930s. That and the presence of Spencer Tracy and James Stewart make it worth viewing.

This was the film debut of James Stewart. He has a role of another reporter on the same paper as Tracy. He was signed by MGM after appearing on Broadway in the play Yellow Jacket and garnering rave reviews. He's the same Jimmy Stewart that soon became an icon, but he didn't get much attention for the few lines he had here. He would have to wait for his next film appearance in Rose Marie to get moviegoers attention.

Read all about it

[eddie-83 · 11 July 2001]

I predict that when junk like Big Brother and The Weakest Link are gone and forgotten from our TV screens movies of the vintage and caliber of `The Murder Man' will still be providing us with superb entertainment.

I love these old thirties `Newspaper dramas' which probably culminated with the sublime `His Girl Friday' and this one stands up well despite lack of realism. Did New York papers really produce fresh editions all day long? Come to think of it perhaps they did in the days pre-TV.

I agree with the many judges who rate Spencer Tracy one of the greatest of all screen actors but feel he goes a bit over the top here, he certainly reined in his performances later. On the other hand James Stewart in his debut (?) appears fully formed with all the shy gawky charm which made him a star for the next fifty years already apparent.

`The Murder Man' is an excellent fast-moving film with a twist in the plot that I challenge you to pick. See this one if you can.

Entertaining Newspaper Yarn

[BaronBl00d · 6/10 · 7 May 2006]

Two financiers and swindlers get theirs when one is shot and killed and the other is accused and tried for the crime in this early, somewhat creaky film from the 1930's. The film has at its core the story of one newspaperman's spiral into drunkenness as the wife he once had has died and his father has lost all his savings to said swindlers. Spencer Tracy plays the newspaperman as only he can essay any role: with complete conviction and enormous talent. While this film is not great, it is a solid film on all fronts and has an intriguing conclusion. I enjoyed the look at what newspapers were like back then, the relationship to police that reporters had, and the wonderful character acting with the likes of Lionel Atwill, a young Jimmy Stewart, Virginia Bruce, William Demarest, and Robert Barrat as a hounding editor. Sure, lots of the journalism clichés are used here, but let's remember that for its time they were a lot fresher than they are now. Director Tim Whelan is solid behind the camera and manages to give Tracy(with his help) and Bruce some depth. The mystery isn't too hard to figure out, but the way it was handled was what struck me as somewhat inventive.

Great cast pulls it through

[dfwesley · 6/10 · 19 October 2018]

Another of the good newspaper movies of the Thirties. Spencer Tracy dominates as usual with a stellar performance. He is supported by a handful of veteran character actors that are wonderful to watch augmented by the appearance of James Stewart in his introductory appearance. Hard boiled and hard drinking Tracy as Steve Grey seems to be more detective than reporter and is a confidant of the police captain, Lionel Atwill. Everyone knows and admires Steve Grey. It was not surprising that the obvious criminal was not the guilty party but it was stunning to find Steve Grey the culprit. One half expected this to be implausible and another killer found. However, Grey is the admitted murderer, but not to be taken too seriously. This is because of the strange ending. Captain Cole, Lionel Atwill, says that his girlfriend and father really shouldn't worry because Steve Grey might well get off implying he had good cause and how the jury would react. That he was a cold blooded killer seemed to be a minor issue. Enjoyable because of the cast not the script.

Poor film, but Tracy is interesting

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 6/10 · 14 July 2011]

I should preface my comments by saying that Spencer Tracy is one of my two very favorite movie actors. The first time I watched this film, I panned it. Today I watched it again, and I'm going to revise my review a bit.

The problem with this film is not the acting. Spencer Tracy -- in his first MGM film -- does rather well in that category. There are times that, without words, Tracy characterizes a man with deep inner turmoil, which is exactly what this film needed. Virginia Bruce does well as the love interest. Lionel Atwill is acceptable as a police investigator. James Stewart has one of the most irrelevant roles of his career here, but then again, it was his very first film.

The problem here also isn't the general story line. In a general sense, it works.

But, as they say, the devil is in the details. For example, yes, reporter Tracy could seemingly report the news before it even happened...well, while we later learn that he knew things first hand, he didn't know how a police detective or a lawyer or a judge would react to certain events, so a newspaper -- even back then -- wouldn't be printing stories that might very well not pan out as reported. I don't expect film trials to be realistic, but here, each lawyer asked each witness one, or at most two, questions. Totally unrealistic. And then there's the first 10 minutes of the film -- a total waste of celluloid and adds little to the story; once Tracy shows up...asleep on a carousel, it does get more interesting, but everything is just a little too convenient for Tracy's character.

But the, without warning, the last 20 minutes of the film comes alive as we find out that Tracy is the actual killer.

With a good manuscript, this could have been a great film...but you have to at least give some hints to the audience that something is amiss. Not so here. The first half was so bad, that were Tracy not a personal favorite, I would have turned the film off.

So watch the film to see great acting by Spencer Tracy. Tolerate the script.

James Stewart's feature debut in a Spencer Tracy vehicle at MGM

[kevinolzak · 8/10 · 2 April 2021]

1935's "The Murder Man" should be better known than it is today, seeing as it was the feature debut of James Stewart, improbably cast as a reporter who belies his nickname 'Shorty.' Film buffs most appreciate that it was Spencer Tracy's first film under contract to MGM, his home studio for the next two decades, coming off a solid performance in his farewell to Fox, "Dante's Inferno," and continuing in frighteningly angry mode opposite Sylvia Sidney in Fritz Lang's Hollywood debut "Fury." Tim Whelan was both director and coauthor of this offbeat combination of murder mystery and newspaper saga, shot in three weeks under working title "Crooked Alibi," kicking off with a spat between crooked investors James Halford (Theodore von Eltz), the suave gigolo luring in the ladies, and Henry Mander (Harvey Stephens), who enjoys playing with fire swindling clients repeatedly. Halford receives a telephone call from one of his numerous female admirers, one who has forsaken her husband and lost every penny, destined for a watery grave when rebuffed. A short time later, he is shot across from a shooting gallery, his partner the obvious suspect, revealed to have been present when the fatal bullet was fired from one of the proprietor's own guns, a .22 caliber. Lionel Atwill is cast against type as the investigating Police Captain Cole, granted the best laugh line in the picture when asked if he's figured out who did it: "the man who fired the shot!" This is where Spencer Tracy comes in as Steve Grey, ace newshound for the Daily Star, keeping one step ahead of authorities and every other astonished reporter in sniffing out clues before anyone else does. The real life similarities between Tracy and his character do not go unnoticed, playing a hopeless alcoholic capable of turning out fantastic work under pressure, yet hiding a dark secret that is only gradually revealed as the picture winds down. It is Grey's testimony that helps convict Mander of the crime, supposedly to collect on the insurance that has been in place for several years, but during a death house interview on the day of the execution, Grey starts to unravel as Mander insists he didn't kill Halford: "I know you didn't!" Virginia Bruce has the thankless role of lovelorn secretary Mary, Robert H. Barrat a delight as the alternately pleased or irate newspaper editor. James Stewart only has one brief moment to shine away from the other reporters (familiar faces like William Demarest, George Chandler, and Fuzzy Knight), stowing away in Mary's rumble seat to find Steve Grey on one of his benders, a typically awkward Jimmy smile to reveal himself. Tracy's vivid intensity is absolutely riveting and convincing, soon to dissipate in more lighthearted fare and a notable Oscar winning performance in "Captains Courageous."

Spencer Tracy's First MGM Film

[springfieldrental · 8/10 · 26 May 2023]

Spencer Tracy, whose first movie for MGM was July 1935's "The Murder Man," had been with Fox Pictures the previous five years ever since he arrived in Hollywood in 1930. He was getting really disgruntled with Fox, and had received feelers from MGM to see if he was interested in jumping ship. Fox was unhappy with the results of the 25 films Tracy had starred in, and none of them were outstanding successes. MGM was looking for fresh faces to rejuvenate its line-up of actors and realized the potential of Tracy's acting abilities despite rumors of his excessive drinking. By "mutual consent," the actor was able to get out of his Fox contract, and inked a new seven-year deal with MGM. It was during this contract where Tracy won consecutive Best Actor Oscars, making him one of cinema's most popular movie stars.

Tracy was known for his abrasive personality on and off the movie set. Compounding that, as biographer Jame Curtis wrote, "Tracy was scarcely a blip on the box office barometer in 1935, a critics' darling and little more." MGM's head of production Irving Thalberg appreciated the acting talents of the 35-year-old Spencer, and his instincts proved correct. Tracy noticed the difference between his new employer and his previous one at Fox immediately when making "The Murder Man." He saw the attention he was receiving on the MGM studio lot by its staffers, while at Fox he witnessed total incompetence and a lack of respect for him and his movies. The special care and the professionalism he felt in making his first movie for MGM was "like a shot of adrenaline." Tracy plays Steve Grey, the wizbang reporter for a city newspaper whose uncanny ability to solve murders before the police do proved his worth to his editor Robins (Robert Barrat), despite the journalist's excessive drinking. He's first seen in the morning on a merry-go-round with a string of amusement tickets around his neck sleeping off a night of heavy imbibing. The city's latest murder has a co-owner of a financial firm shot in broad daylight while in the back seat of a convertible. The main suspect is his associate, Henry Mander (Harvey Stephens), who earlier lost the life savings of Grey's father.

"The Murder Man" was actor James Stewart's first appearance in a feature film. His role was originally intended for a midget actor, but newly-hired Stewart, a gangly 6'3" and 138 pounds, was a last minute decision to play "Shorty," a fellow reporter of Grey's. The Indiana, Pennsylvania, born and raised Stewart had attended Princeton University as an architect major when he was drawn to the school's drama clubs. He was given a scholarship for graduate school in architecture, but opted to perform at Cape Cod's University Players instead. With the connections he made there, including Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullivan, Stewart ended up on Broadway. In between plays he appeared in his first film, an uncredited part called 'Art Trouble," a 1934 short with Shemp Howard, former member of what became The Three Stooges. Talent scout Bill Grady had seen the 27-year-older perform several times and persuaded MGM to sign him to a seven-year contract. Biographer Michael Rinella noted MGM's initial thinking of Stewart precluded him as a leading man, with one studio executive describing him as a "lanky young bumpkin with a hesitant manner of speech."

"The Murder Man" proved to be a pivotal movie for Tracy and Steward, who both ranked in the top ten in American Film Institute's poll of Hollywood stars-Stewart at number three and Tracy at number nine. Of note also is Virginia Bruce's character as newspaper columnist Mary who's in love with Grey. She appeared in the film not long after her divorce from actor John Gilbert. Their two-year marriage in 1932 dissolved from what she cited was his alcoholism.

Spencer Tracy Can Improve Any Film

[uawiseguy2 · 5/10 · 12 February 2020]

Despite 90 minutes of dialogue being packed into 60, this is a surprisingly captivating artifact of the film-noir era. Spencer Tracy's unwavering screen-presence drives what appears to be a predictable murder-for-insurance story, but the twist ending's effectiveness rests solely on his ability to hide subtext under his "everyman" demeanor. Jimmy Stewart also makes his second film appearance in a small reporter role, so this short mystery has no lack of star power.

Underrated Gem

[Michael_Elliott · 14 July 2011]

Murder Man, The (1935)

*** (out of 4)

Very good "B" movie from MGM has Spencer Tracy playing newspaper reporter Steve Grey who has the nickname of "The Murder Man" due to him being able to crack any case. The latest big story deals with a murdered insurance man who appears to have been killed by his partner (Harvey Stephens) but he claims he's innocent and the majority of the evidence from the police captain (Lionel Atwill) really doesn't tie him to the events. THE MURDER MAN looks like it was a rushed job and there's no question not too much money went into it but the cast, story and direction make it a must see and it's really a gem that should be better known. The greatest aspect is certainly the cast as we get veterans like Tracy, Atwill and Virginia Bruce but we also get a small role played by James Stewart. I'm sure a number of lesser actors could have been handed this role but it's quite easy to see that they wouldn't have brought as much to it as Tracy. Tracy has that terrific ability to make acting look easy but the role here was a pretty difficult one because he's character is dealing with alcohol abuse as well as other issues. Tracy does a remarkable job at showing off all of these emotions and while this certainly isn't as great as many of his future roles, the actor really gives it his all and delivers a memorable performance. Bruce is also very good in her role as the girlfriend and the two have some nice chemistry together. I was also quite impressed with Stephens who manages to be quite cocky early in the film and the actor really gets to shine towards the end when he's cracking from about to hit the chair. Stewart doesn't have a very big role but he does what he can with it. I love watching legends before they were stars and here's the perfect example because it's not everyday you can see someone like Stewart playing such a role. Tracy and Stewart share a couple scenes together, which will certainly please film buffs. The story itself is a pretty strong one and when the final twist happens you can't help but feel good that the film would stick to its gun and go for the shock instead of dealing some weak, lame attempt to make everything happy.

Tim Whelan directed and wrote

[sjanders-86430 · 10/10 · 28 October 2021]

First for Spencer Tracy and Jimmy Stewart in this 1935 murder investigation. Tracy and Stewart play reporters for the Star. Tracy is so good at investigating and writing murder stories he is called the murder man.

A man is shot dead as he sits in a convertible car in the rear seat. Tracy figures the shot came from the shooting gallery. Then Tracy testifies against the man who swindled his father and also his suicided ex girlfriend. He is convicted.

Tracy interviews him on death row.

He then writes a different story.

Tracy is tops as the drunken reporter. Virginia Bruce is also great as his helpful friend. Robert Borat is the Chief of Police who adds the necessary gravitas. William Collier plays the dad of Spencer Tracy.

This film begins the careers of Stewart and Tracy. The distinctive voice of Stewart and loud growl of Tracy last for years.

Great Spencer Tracy Film

[whpratt1 · 8/10 · 4 May 2006]

This was a great B&W film from the 1930's and the film was full of great veteran actors. Spencer Tracy, (Steve Grey) "Edison" '40 played a hot shot murder reporter for a large newspaper and some times he would go on very long serious drinking bouts. His fellow reporters often wondered why he drank so much, but Steve never revealed what was bothering him. Virginia Bruce,(Mary Shannon), "Strangers When We Meet",'60, worked for the same newspaper as Steve and a small spark of romance started between them, but his drinking kept them a part. Lionel Atwill, (Police Capt. Cole), "House of Frankenstein",'44, gave a great supporting role along with William Demarest,(Red), "My Three Son's",'65 TV series, was a character actor who played a newspaper reporter on another newspaper in town. In real life, Spencer Tracy would often go on drinking bouts and not be seen for weeks during breaks between his filming engagements. This is a great 1935 film and even James Stewart, (Shorty-reporter) made a very brief performance.

Lousy Script Trips Present, Future Stars

[dballtwo · 5/10 · 27 December 2021]

An interesting idea botched in the script stage put Spencer Tracy, newcomer James Stewart, and a strong supporting cast on the spot in "Murder Man." The plot revolves around a newspaper editorial office, but not a single thing about the operations of the "New York Star," a miserable knockoff from "The Front Page," would convince anybody, and without that touch of realism the entire story collapses. The police and courtroom scenes are equally bad. Spencer Tracy tries his best, and so do Virginia Bruce and Harvey Stephens. Stewart has only a few lines as "Shorty," a nickname which gives you some idea of the level of writing.