Dutton Peabody

Dutton Peabody is a fictional journalist played by Edmond O'Brien in the movie "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance".

Peabody, the 19th century founder of "The Shinbone Star", embodies the stereotype of the drunken newspaperman. But he is impeccably honest and well respected in town despite his drunkenness. He is one of the first people in town to show friendship to newcomer Ransom Stoddard.

At one point, Peabody is introduced at a convention as "that distinguished member of the Fourth Estate, founder, owner, publisher and editor of "The Shinbone Star," the honorable Dutton Peabody, Esquire!"

He replies, "Thank you, Mr. Chairman, but you left out one thing; I also sweep out the place."

When outlaw Liberty Valance is shot dead, Peabody unwittingly perpetuates a myth that Stoddard killed him, making Stoddard a hero. Many years later, Stoddard returns to town as a U.S. senator with many accomplishments in public service. Peabody is dead, but Stoddard explains to the 20th century editor of the newspaper that he did not really kill Valance.

In what would today be considered a gross breach of journalism ethics, early 20th century editor Maxwell Scott says he will not print the story and throws his notes into a fire. Scott explains: "This is the west, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."