The Front Page



A 1974 film, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. An adaptation of the 1929 play of the same name.

Walter Burns (Matthau), editor of the Chicago Examiner, wants Intrepid Reporter Hildebrand "Hildy" Johnson (Lemmon) to cover the execution of convicted murderer Earl Williams--but Hildy announces that he's quitting the newspaper business, getting married, and moving to Philadelphia. Burns promptly sets out to lure Hildy back, mainly by sabotaging his engagement to the sweet but bland Peggy (Susan Sarandon). Then, when Hildy goes to the courthouse to say goodbye to the other reporters, Williams escapes, and Hildy gets drawn back into the game as he senses a lead and starts uncovering the political machinations behind Williams's arrest and pending execution.

The Front Page is the 3rd of four film versions of the play. It was preceded by a 1931 version starring Adolphe Menjou and Pat O'Brien, and by His Girl Friday in 1940; it was followed by Switching Channels in 1988, which updated the story from newspapers to TV.

This movie contains examples of:

 * All Psychology Is Freudian: Dr. Eggelhofer has a patently absurd Oedipus Complex theory explaining Williams's crime. Justified; the movie's set in 1929.
 * Batman Gambit: Burns assigns an inept cub reporter to replace Hildy, knowing that Hildy won't be able to stand by and let the kid mess up.
 * Blatant Lies: The reporters phoning their editors about Williams's capture -- an event they are currently watching -- describing it as a blood-filled firefight.
 * Camp Gay: Bensinger, the prissy Tribune reporter.
 * Chekhov's Gun: Bensinger's desk, and.
 * Da Editor: Burns.
 * The Danza: Walter Matthau as Walter Burns.
 * Dirty Cop: Sheriff Hartman.
 * Disposable Fiance: Peggy.
 * Hooker with a Heart of Gold: Mollie Malloy.
 * Insanity Defense: Williams tries for this, but it doesn't work.
 * Intrepid Reporter: Hildy; Burns, once he gets back into the field.
 * Manipulative Bastard / Guile Hero: Burns as he schemes to get Hildy back; Hildy as he manipulates the other reporters so he can get a scoop.
 * Married to the Job: The core conflict is largely about this.
 * Sleazy Politician: The Mayor and Sheriff "Honest Pete" Hartman.
 * Where Are They Now? Epilogue: This is how we learn that Hildy left Peggy and ended up as Managing Editor of the Examiner.