Front Page Movie Review

Toasting to success: Hildy Johnson is celebrated by fellow 
 reporters on his way to exit the Chicago Examiner

Set in the late 1920s, The Front Page is a sharp, fast-paced comedy that delves into the world of journalism and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of more readers with sensational headlines. This film critiques the ethical gray areas of the news industry, illustrating how the pursuit of a juicy story overshadows truth. 

Directed by Billy Wilder, the film follows Chicago Examiner reporter Hildy Johnson as he follows the  "Cop Murderer Must Die" story of Earl Williams, a convicted cop murderer and alleged communist. Johnson is on the verge of retiring to settle down with his future wife Peggy, when managing editor Walter Burns pulls out all of the stops to keep him on the job. 

Johnson and Burns' relationship is the backbone of the film: it is a hilarious and somewhat contentious partnership filled with witty banter but mutual respect. Their chemistry and bickering was one of my favorite parts of the film. 

Williams was a focal point of the Chicago Tribune, with reporters scrambling to sensationalize his story. When he escapes custody during a farcical psych evaluation led by Dr. Eggelhoffer, the chaos reaches new heights. 

The scene where Dr. Eggelhoffer tumbles out of the ambulance while screaming about his fruitcake is a comedic highlight and my absolute favorite part of the film and is permanently inscribed in my brain. 

Throughout the film, especially the high points including Williams being on the run and under the desk, the reporters telephone their own versions of events, despite witnessing the same thing. This highlights the inherent bias and sensationalism in journalism, as well as the competitive nature of the news industry. Each reporter spins the story to fit their newspaper’s agenda or to make it more dramatic, prioritizing entertainment and sales over accuracy and truth. 

While the film is a product of its time, its treatment of certain characters feels dated and problematic. Mollie Malloy, a prostitute who becomes involved in the story, is reduced to a stereotype and given little agency. The journalists don't explore her perspective, illustrating how their main priority was not all perspectives but a good headline. 

As Hildy and Burns work to track down Williams, the film exposes the corruption and self-interest of local politicians. Sheriff Hartman and the Mayor are more concerned with their reelection campaigns, leaving them to manipulate the situation to their advantage. They stage events to sway public opinion and secure votes, highlighting the crooked politics of the era. The film’s critique of the intersection between media and politics feels eerily relevant today as it underscores how easily truth can be distorted for personal gain.

The Front Page is a witty, incisive exploration of journalism, politics, and human nature. While this movie was not my favorite watch, its commentary on media sensationalism and political corruption remains relevant. Plus, the way Dr. Eggelhoffer says fruitcake is so satisfying!