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Cub reporter Mike Perrivale is desperate for a big break. His girlfriend Richie Loomis keeps pushing for him to write about teacher Hugo Trimble (Lionel Barrymore) on his death bed. The editor hopes for a Mr. Chips story. In truth, Trimble is an outspoken man railing against the policies of politician Frankie Scarbine and blames Mike's editor. Mike convinces him to make up a fake front page to uplift Trimble. Then Mike has an idea to do it for real.

I don't like the premise. It doesn't make much sense. It's literally fake news. I don't understand the characters' actions. While it's great to see Lionel Barrymore, there isn't much of anything else. The movie almost grinds to a halt early on with Mike playing cards with his future mother-in-law. There must be a better way to advance the plot in its introductory stage.