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A smashing hit of the 1920s, The Front Page is one of the trend setters in the ambit of Hollywood comedies. Based on the play written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, who were once reporters by profession, the movie is a hilarious comedy, which metes out a special message too. Directed by Billy Wilder, The Front Page was released in the year 1931. the film was produced by Paul Monash and made an impact in the box office as soon as it was released. Based on the play “The Front Page”, the movie is unique because of the genre of screwball comedy to which it belongs. Throughout the movie, the interest of the audience is kept intact, as there are a series of ploys that bind the plot of the film so well.
Plot synopsis of The Front Page: The film revolves round the lives of Hildegard "Hildy" Johnson and Walter Burns, the tyrannical editor of the of the daily, “The Examiner”. Both Hildy and Walter Burns are on the look out for spicy news, so that they can make both fame and name. The entire story sparks off, when there is a capital punishment of a certain convict, Clarence Williams, who is guilty of murder. Williams is a communist who had killed a black policeman, for which he was facing his execution. Hildy Johnson who is the reporter of the daily, “Examiner”is already on her way to get the news. It is here that she again confronts her rival, Burns, only to know that he is getting married and getting a job change.
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The climax begins with the sudden breaking of jail by Williams. Hildy still follows him, and comes to encounter a startling truth. She comes to know that the sheriff and the mayor actually used him as a weapon to get more votes. The murder was in reality an accident. In the course of the film, Hildy saves the life of Burns and prevents his arrest.
Critics' view of The Front Page: The comedy that the director puts in the movie is really fascinating. Just like any intelligent comedy the social message is subtle, but very clear. According to critics, the corrupt picture of American politics is brought out indeed well. The touches of romantic scenes are also heart warming. Not to miss the histrionics of the star cast of The Front Page.
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Cast of The Front Page: In the leading characters of the film are actors like Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Susan Sarandon, Paul Benedict just to name a few.
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