Nothing But the Truth

Nothing But the Truth is a 1941 American comedy film directed by nominal screenwriter Edgar G. Ulmer, with a story credited to Ulmer. The plot, centered around two rival stockbrokers who engage in a high-stakes wager, follows as an enthralling exercise in deception, honesty, and the challenges of navigating social etiquette during a peculiar period in American history. We meet our protagonist, James Shea, played by Preston Foster, as a successful but unassuming New York stockbroker who has recently partnered with his friend, the charismatic and flamboyant Jameson, portrayed by Brian Donlevy. Their newly formed business partnership seems to be off to a great start, but beneath the surface, it becomes clear that Shea and Jameson have fundamentally different approaches to making deals. Their disagreements ultimately lead to a bold wager: Shea confidently bets Jameson $10,000 that he can go without telling a single lie or omission for a period of twenty-four hours. The stakes are high, with Jameson convinced that he can do the same, thus winning the bet. As the clock begins ticking, the two men must confront the difficulties of maintaining honesty in even the most mundane interactions and navigate their complicated web of friendships, rivalries, and business associates. Shea soon learns that his new partner, Jameson, has some questionable associates and a reputation for dubious business practices. Despite this, the stakes have been set, and Shea must adhere to his vow of truthfulness. Every conversation becomes a delicate balancing act, requiring Shea to walk the fine line between veracity and tact, lest he inadvertently reveal too much information to outsiders. Throughout the day, Shea and Jameson frequently cross paths, exchanging barbed remarks and witty one-liners as they navigate a complex social landscape where honesty and dishonesty seem to shift depending on the company they keep. Their conversations often center on seemingly innocuous topics, but beneath the surface, lies a deeper game of cat and mouse as each tries to outmaneuver the other. Meanwhile, Shea's relationships with his loved ones are put to the test. His girlfriend, Barbara, played by Veronica Lake, is torn between her affection for Shea and the strain that the bet has brought to their relationship. Her confusion and concern create tension, adding an additional layer of complexity to Shea's ordeal. As the hours tick by, the truth begins to get in everyone's way. The people surrounding Shea and Jameson find themselves increasingly perplexed by the stockbroker's unwavering commitment to honesty. The more he speaks his mind, the more he inadvertently reveals about his business partners, creating an unstable web of rumors and half-truths that threatens to unravel the delicate fabric of their relationships. When the dust finally settles, it becomes clear that neither protagonist has emerged unscathed. The true test comes when the clock finally strikes midnight, marking the end of the twenty-four-hour period and, more crucially, the moment when the true effects of the wager will be revealed. The final outcome may not be the only surprising aspect, as the aftermath of the bet exposes the more profound implications of a simple, though profound question: what does it mean to tell the truth? The film takes a satirical view of social norms during America's Great Depression era and explores the tension between truth, tact, and the intricacies of human connections during times of economic hardship. Through the character of James Shea, a stoic and uncompromising man forced to navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and self-deception, the movie Nothing But the Truth asks us to confront our own relationship with truth and question the implications that our words can have on those around us. As the stock market's rollercoaster ride reaches its climactic conclusion, the film's message, though delivered through a series of seemingly innocuous events, reminds us of the importance of truth and the unpredictable consequences of its pursuit.