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An amazing adaptation of of the play, “The Front Page”, His Girl Friday is one of the greatest films in the genre of screwball comedy. Released in the year 1940, this hysterically hilarious movie made records in the American box office, and had also sparked off several important social issues that were prevailing in America in those days. Often thought to be a remake of the 1931 blockbuster, “The Front Page”, there are major script changes in this film. Produced and directed by Howard Hawks, this 90 minute gripping comedy, revolving around the romance of the leading pair, had become a pathbearer to the genre of comedies. Although His Girl Friday received appreciation from leading film critics, it failed to bag any notable award.
Plot synopsis of His Girl Friday: At the outset, His Girl Friday was supposed to be a mere mimic of the 1931, released “The Front Page”. However when the director started with his script, he decided to make alterations, with very slight deviations in the original dialogs and the name of the story's characters. The leading protagonists of the movie are Walter Burns, a stern editor for the daily, “The Morning Post” and Hildegard "Hildy" Johnson who was once a leading reporter, and also his former wife. The entire film is based in America, and very subtly portrays several conflicts, that prevailed in those days. Hildy wants to marry Bruce Baldwin, and settle down as a homemaker, raising her family and kids. However, she has to cover a last story on the execution of a convict Earl Williams, who is charged of murder.
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This is actually a ploy of Walter Burns to delay the wedding of Hildy. A series of comic fun sparks with the escape of Williams, framing Bruce and his mother by Burns. There is yet another part where we see the dirty side of American politics. The film shows the vicious intentions of the mayor and the sheriff, where they bribe a messenger, to gain publicity. In the course, the convict comes in the hands of Hildy, who becomes so absorbed in her work, that her lover turns away from her. In the end, Walter is saved from arrest by Hildy, whom he decides to remarry. However at the last minute, there is call informing about a hot news. The two need to set out Niagara, and the audience is left with a conundrum.
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Starcast of His Girl Friday: The leading characters of the film are played by Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.
Capture more on the Comedy Movies, from hollywoodzing.com.
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