The Front Page

PG

1974

1h 45m

Comedy

Drama

List

58%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

74%

Audience Score

2,500+ Ratings

Successful Chicago newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson (Jack Lemmon) is hanging up his journalist's hat to marry Peggy Grant (Susan Sarandon). When his editor, the arrogant, self-important Walter Burns (Walter Matthau), learns of Hildy's plans, he goes to great lengths to keep his star writer. They learn that the notorious (but possibly wrongfully accused) criminal, Earl Williams (Austin Pendleton), has escaped on the eve of his execution, and Hildy can't resist this one last sensational story.

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Pauline Kael

New Yorker

If one didn't know the play or the previous film versions, one could never guess from the new production that it is based on a classic American play.

Oct 6, 2023

Full Review

Paul D. Zimmerman

Newsweek

Sadly, the movie strongly suggests that Wilder is out of touch with the temper of the times.

Feb 10, 2022

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

It relies too much on foul language, inappropriate slapstick, and superficial cynicism.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Ian Kane

Epoch Times

If anything else, simply watch it to witness the incredible chemistry between Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, two outstanding actors who are at the top of their game.

Rated: 3/5 stars

Jan 5, 2023

Full Review

Richard Schickel

(MORE): A Journalism Review

Obviousness pervades everything Wilder and Diamond have done with the film.

Jun 21, 2022

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a progressively tiresome endeavor...

Rated: 2/4

Apr 13, 2022

Full Review

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Lanfranco C

The third remake is the best!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/19/23

Full Review

Freda P

My favourite film of all time. Every line is a gem. Matthau to Benzinger:"Sure that's your name?" And to Lemmon "you're going to make a fortune writing lines for Rin Tin Tin!" Plus of course the final scene where Walter Burns asks the telegraph man to arrest Lemmon " the damn fool stole my watch"

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/23

Full Review

Mark A

Decent adaptation, but if you want to see it done better, see "His Girl Friday".

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/23

Full Review

delysid d

i am loving these walter matthau movies

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/17/21

Full Review

Audience Member

Stick on some Benny Hill theme and it might all make sense

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

steve d

A lot of fun due to the fantastic cast.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Billy Wilder

Director

Jack Lemmon

Hildy Johnson

Walter Matthau

Walter Burns

Carol Burnett

Mollie Malloy

Susan Sarandon

Peggy Grant

Vincent Gardenia

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Synopsis

Successful Chicago newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson (Jack Lemmon) is hanging up his journalist's hat to marry Peggy Grant (Susan Sarandon). When his editor, the arrogant, self-important Walter Burns (Walter Matthau), learns of Hildy's plans, he goes to great lengths to keep his star writer. They learn that the notorious (but possibly wrongfully accused) criminal, Earl Williams (Austin Pendleton), has escaped on the eve of his execution, and Hildy can't resist this one last sensational story.

Director: Billy Wilder
Producer: Paul Monash
Screenwriter: Billy Wilder, I.A.L. Diamond
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2020
Runtime: 1h 45m