Truth is Marching On!

Though Deadline USA offers a lot of insight into the world of journalism, its major theme seems to be that journalism is not just “comics, contests, and puzzles;” it’s a symbol of freedom. The film isn’t shy about getting this message through, and it does so in more ways than one. Lines like “A free press is like a free life—it's always in danger,” and “Show me a martyr and I’ll show you a dead man,” emphasize that journalism is a matter of liberty—a cause worth fighting for. With Mrs. Schmidt’s heart-warming testimony she explains that the newspaper helped her learn English and stay informed about current events so that she could be an involved American citizen rather than a helpless immigrant. Most blatantly of all is, of course, Ed Hutcheson’s passionate final monologue. When mobster Rienzi threatens Ed’s life if he prints the story, Ed replies, “People like you have tried it before. With bullets, prison, censorship. But as long as even one newspaper will print the truth, you're finished,” and then proceeds to triumphantly hold the phone up to rolling presses. Ultimately, Deadline USA was not about Ed or even The Day, but rather about need for truth, and the freedom of the press to print the truth. As the Battle Hymn Republic resounds throughout the film, the lyrics match the message: the truth will march on!