The Front Page (1931)

About The Front Page

"The Front Page" is a pre-code comedy-drama film about newspaper reporters on the police beat. First released in 1931, it was directed by Lewis Milestone and produced by Howard Hughes. The film is known for its fast-paced plot, memorable dialogue, and exploration of the erratic ethical standards of newspaper journalism in the early 20th century.

Making / Production

The film was adapted from the Broadway play of the same name written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. Howard Hughes expended significant resources in the production, including constructing elaborate sets replicating the Chicago Criminal Courts Building. Lewis Milestone was given free rein to develop the film's distinctive style, which includes overlapping dialogue and dynamic camera movement.

Actors

• Adolphe Menjou as Walter Burns - A skilled actor who brought depth and integrity to the role of the vulture-like newspaper editor, Walter Burns.
• Pat O’Brien as Hildy Johnson - O’Brien provided a lively performance as Hildy Johnson, the hotshot reporter desperate to escape the newspaper business.
• Mary Brian as Peggy Grant - Playing the role of Hildy's loving fiancee, she portrayed wide-eyed innocence contrasted with the cynical world of journalism.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite its contemporary critical acclaim, the film was not a commercial success upon its initial release.
• The film was considered lost until copies were located in Howard Hughes' film collection after his death.
• The Front Page was remade twice, most notably as "His Girl Friday" in 1940 with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

Awards

"The Front Page" received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (Adolphe Menjou).

Quotes

• "It's getting so a girl can't leave the room without being discussed by a lot of old ladies." - Hildy Johnson
• "I'm a newspaperman, and I'm gonna run a newspaper." - Walter Burns
• "The last man who said that to me was Archie Leach, just a week before he cut his throat." - Molly Malloy

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was provided by Alfred Newman, a legendary film composer who was just starting his career in Hollywood at the time.