They Won't Forget

They Won't Forget is a black-and-white, dramatic, mystery-thriller film from 1937 that brings to light the tragic concept of trial by media. The exact definition that I came across from the International Journal of Law Management and Humanities states that trial by media was a phrase used to describe the impact of media on a person's reputation by creating a widespread perception of guilt or innocence. In the case of this film, the widespread perception is guilt. 

 

The story revolves around a professor, Robert Hale, and the true effect of trial by media. One of Hale's students, Mary Clay, was found dead on Confederate Memorial Day. Seeking out the perfect plan to boost himself up to the Senate, Andrew Griffin, the district attorney, made a successful attempt to point all fingers at Hale for the crime. This was a buyable accusation since Hale was Mary Clay's teacher. To make matters worse for Hale and better for Griffin, Griffin teams up with a reporter named William Brock. Together, the two quickly build an abundance of prejudice and hatred against Hale to paint him as guilty. 

Soon afterward, many citizens are advocating for his death. Mary Clay's brothers are especially enraged by the death of their sister (reasonably so) and have begun planning Hale's abduction and murder. They made threats to kill Hale themselves unless he was executed. When it comes time for Hale's trial, things are not looking good. Witnesses had been threatened and felt an immense amount of pressure, choosing not to speak on his behalf, because it may land them in a tough spot equal to or worse than Hale's. Hale's lawyer did what he could but to no avail. Hale is found guilty and sentenced to death. 

In a turn of events, Hale's sentence is changed to life in prison. Mary Clay's brothers do what they had threatened: abduct Hale and kill him. Hale's wife visits Griffin's office to return a check he sent her for financial help, because honestly, what is a check going to do? It certainly will not replace her husband. Mrs. Hale is furious with Griffin and Brock for putting on their act with zero remorse, and watching her monologue was the saddest part of the plot for me. She knew in her heart that her husband didn't do it. She knew that Griffin and Brock made it all up. Shortly after Mrs. Hale exits the office, Brock asks Griffin if he thinks Hale was actually guilty, and Griffin's outrageously inappropriate two-word response is, "I wonder". Imagine plotting to have an innocent man killed just because he's easy crime bait, only to question whether or not he'd be capable of said crime. The indecency, the insanity, it's just unfathomable. This is why I don't like politics. The lies, the sheer audacity of people to play the blame game for their own benefit even if it puts others in harm's way, and the fact that it didn't take much convincing or any clear evidence to rile up a crowd and turn them on an innocent man. Shame on you, Andrew Griffin.