A Dispatch from Reuter's (1940)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

William Dieterle

Writers:

Valentine Williams (story) and
Wolfgang Wilhelm (story) ...

Release Date:

19 October 1940 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

Starting with a small flock of carrier pigeons, nineteenth-century entrepreneur Julius Reuter turns...

Plot Keywords:

Julius Reuter | Pigeon | Pigeon Post | Telegraph | Marriage Proposal

US TV Schedule:

Wed. July 15

7:30 AM

TCM

Cast

Edward G. Robinson	...	Paul Julius Reuter
Edna Best	...	Ida Magnus Reuter
Eddie Albert	...	Max Wagner
Albert Bassermann	...	Franz Geller
Gene Lockhart	...	Otto Bauer
Otto Kruger	...	Dr. Magnus
Nigel Bruce	...	Sir Randolph Persham
Montagu Love	...	Mr. John Delane
James Stephenson	...	Carew
Walter Kingsford	...	Louis Napoleon III
David Bruce	...	Mr. Bruce
Dickie Moore	...	Julius Reuter as a Boy
Billy Dawson	...	Max Wagner as a Boy
Richard Nichols	...	Herbert Reuter, Aged 5
Lumsden Hare	...	Chairman

Also Known As:

This Man Reuter (UK)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Finland:S | USA:Approved (PCA #6277) | Sweden:Btl

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Pat Flaherty, listed in studio records playing a sailor, was not seen in the movie.

Soundtrack:

The Battle Cry of Freedom

Biography by Warner Brothers...

The 'BIO PICTURE' was a staple of Warner Brothers (WB) from its inception. Now lets be clear about that, it does not mean historical accuracy. It was (and is) a form of entertainment that loosely uses real events and people and spins a story that was (and is) appropriate at the time of it's release. There is enough facts and truth in these productions to stimulate interest to those who wish to delve deeper. We suggest that A DISPATCH FROM REUTER'S may have a lot more in it then is shown on screen. For that you need to go to the library or catch something on one (1) of the educational channels.

What is shown though is very entertaining. Edward G. Robinson plays 'Julius Reuter' who created the first world wide information system. His performance like all those when he was interested in the role is credible and sincere. Edna Best plays his wife 'Ida' and also delivers in a way that is believable. The supporting cast of WB contract players of the time all do their job. Photography by James Wong Howe and musical score by Max Steiner is what you come to expect for such a production, professional. As well as direction by William Dieterle who was the WB's director of choice during that period for the 'BIO' picture.

The only fly in the ointment is the irritating performance of Eddie Albert's 'Max Wagner' as 'Reuter's' friend and irresponsible jerk. We will not catalog all 'Max's' shortcomings but lets just say this. Any normal business owner would have fired him or had him disappear by way of THE SOPRANOS! For some reason during the 30's and 40's this type of character was supposed to be endearing to the audience in a way that escapes us today. There is a parallel to this during that period known as the "idiot plot". A simple misunderstanding that if simply explained away would have solved everything in the first reel.

Other then that we endorse watching this film. If you can also catch DR. EHRLICH'S MAGIC BULLET, do so. Mr. Robinson also stars in that one (1) and the film is a stronger drama with a tighter plot. Rating for DR. EHRLICH'S MAGIC BULLET eight (8)********.