Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Seraherrera The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

MartinHafer I wasn't able to see the first film in this series, so my reviewing "Nancy Drew...Reporter" is not ideal. I know that they made several of these films starring Bonita Granville in the late 30s and early 40s--but somehow I never got around to watching any of them. My reason for picking this one first is that it is the only one that is currently in the public domain (downloadable from IMDb's link). But considering I love B detective films, I was excited to see it--especially since it gave Miss Granville a different sort of film role. You see, usually she was cast as an obnoxious brat--and here she is sweet and precocious instead."Nancy Drew...Reporter" begins with Nancy and a group of other teens all going to the local newspaper. The editor has no interest in working with these kids and tells them he's got a contest to see which of them can write the best story--and gives them very mundane story ideas out of a hat. Nancy, however, has better ideas and goes off to investigate a real honest to goodness murder (just what every teen should be doing). In the process, she manipulates her boyfriend, father, the cops and just about anyone else in order to get her story. And, being almost terminally plucky, she is able to do just that by the end.This is a very typical B-detective story aside from having it star kids. In a lot of ways, it's like "The Thin Man" meets "Babaes on Broadway". Some may object to all the kiddie hi-jinx (especially that of the bratty little kids who tag along) but it's all well-written and fun. While I'd never put this on the same level as a Falcon or Boston Blackie film, it is close and worth a look if you like these sorts of films.By the way, while not nearly as good and culminating with a cute musical number, the film replicated the Laurel & Hardy bit from "Men 'O War" where Stan and Ollie try to take out a couple girls even though they haven't enough money for them all to get sodas.

classicsoncall It would be too easy to pick this story apart for it's lack of credibility, but that would be a disservice to all the young fans of the Nancy Drew series of books and films that continue to entertain to the present day. The best thing to do with this one is watch it with a few kids and get their reaction to the on screen hi-jinks between Nancy (Bonita Granville) and her put upon pal Ted Nickerson (Frankie Thomas). Nancy's pretty slick actually, the way she filched the newspaper assignment and how she managed to con her way into and out of the scrapes she found herself in.There were a few things that had me going 'Huh?' though, like did the door man at the gym REALLY charge them ten cents to get in? The other head scratcher was the lettering on the office door of the River Heights Tribune - what exactly is a 'Newspaper Morgue'?

bensonmum2 Nancy Drew (Bonita Granville) and her classmates are given the opportunity to write actual stories for a newspaper. Not satisfied with covering a poetry reading, Nancy switches her assignment with one of a real reporter and ends up at an inquest. Based on the evidence presented, a lady is accused of poisoning an old woman for an inheritance. But Nancy's not buying it. Dragging her pal Ted Nickerson (Frankie Thomas) and her father Carson (John Litel) along for the ride, Nancy is determined to find the real killer.As with Nancy Drew, Detective, the plot is hardly what matters in a movie like this. In fact, the plot is probably the weakest element of Nancy Drew…Reporter. It's too light, too breezy, and, worst of all, too predictable. I defy anyone not to pick out the killer within the first few minutes. However, it's the cast that makes these movies worthwhile. Once again, Bonita Granville shines. She gives real life and spirit to her character. I hate to repeat part of my comment on Ms. Granville from Nancy Drew, Detective, but it remains apropos – "She has an infectious charm that dominates the entire movie. It's hard to watch her and not have a smile on your face. You just naturally root for her." She once again joined by a strong supporting cast. I especially enjoyed Ned's bratty sister played by Mary Lee. Really nice job! Finally, I should probably mention that Nancy Drew...Reporter features a musical number. Nancy and company literally sing for their supper in a Chinese restaurant. While it hardly fits with the rest of the movie, I thought it was cute.

sol- "Fun" would be the best way to describe this film in one word. It is not a cinematic masterpiece, nor is it especially well made, but it is a delight to watch nonetheless. Granville gives it her best in the title role and some of the situations that she and her friends get involved in, such as having to do karaoke and a boxing match, make really amusing viewing. There is a certain charm to the film that is hard to deny. It fails to create much suspense with most of the mystery solution given early on, the plot is slim, the supporting performances are mediocre… but overall it really hits the spot if one is in the mood for an entertaining film that does not require much thought.