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The Front Page

Play trailer Poster for The Front Page PG 1974 1h 45m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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57% Tomatometer 30 Reviews 74% Popcornmeter 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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The Front Page

Critics Reviews

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Pauline Kael The New Yorker 10/06/2023
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. Go to Full Review Paul D. Zimmerman Newsweek 02/10/2022
Sadly, the movie strongly suggests that Wilder is out of touch with the temper of the times. Go to Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out 01/26/2006
It relies too much on foul language, inappropriate slapstick, and superficial cynicism. Go to Full Review Ian Kane Epoch Times 01/05/2023
3/5 stars
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. Go to Full Review Richard Schickel (MORE): A Journalism Review 06/21/2022
Obviousness pervades everything Wilder and Diamond have done with the film. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 04/13/2022
2/4
...a progressively tiresome endeavor... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alec B Mar 15 I remain unconvinced that this rewrite was necessary, especially if you're sticking with the original plot rather than reworking it (i.e. "His Girl Friday") to a dramatic degree. The new dialogue slows this all down which is really disappointing. See more Lanfranco C @Lanfrancobz 11/19/2023 The third remake is the best! See more Freda P 09/08/2023 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" See more Mark A 01/03/2023 Decent adaptation, but if you want to see it done better, see "His Girl Friday". See more delysid d 12/17/2021 i am loving these walter matthau movies See more 11/13/2021 Stick on some Benny Hill theme and it might all make sense See more Read all reviews
The Front Page

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Cast & Crew

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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

Sheriff

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The Front Page

The Front Page (1974) The Front Page (1974) View more photos

Movie Info

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
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