Nancy Drew... Reporter
Nancy Drew... Reporter

Movie spotlight

Nancy Drew... Reporter

1939
Movie
68 min
English

While participating in a contest at a local newspaper in which school children are asked to submit a news story, local attorney Carson Drew's daughter Nancy intercepts a real story assignment. She "covers" the inquest of the death of a woman who was poisoned. Nancy doesn't think the young woman accused of the crime is guilty and corrals her neighbor Ted into searching for a vital piece of evidence and stumbles onto the identity of the real killer.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Frank McDonaldGenres: Mystery, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

Young Nancy Drew, an inquisitive teenager, stumbles upon a smuggling ring operating out of a local train station. While investigating, she uncovers a connection to a recent murder and a series of robberies. Despite warnings from the police, Nancy delves deeper, using her sharp wit and resourcefulness to gather clues and expose the criminals. Her pursuit of the truth leads her into dangerous situations, testing her courage and determination.

Critical Reception

The film was a modest success, praised for its fast-paced plot and Bonita Granville's spirited portrayal of the titular character. It captured the adventurous spirit of the popular book series, appealing to younger audiences and fans of mystery serials. While not critically acclaimed by major reviewers of the time, it was considered a solid entry in the B-movie genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Bonita Granville is a charming and capable Nancy Drew.

  • The plot moves along at a brisk pace, keeping viewers engaged.

  • A straightforward mystery suitable for younger audiences and fans of the books.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews from 1939 is not available. However, contemporary audience reactions likely centered on the film's suspenseful plot and Granville's faithful adaptation of the beloved character.

Fun Fact

Bonita Granville reprised her role as Nancy Drew in three subsequent films: 'Nancy Drew Trouble Shooter' (1939), 'The Message' (1939), and 'Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase' (1939).

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