His Girl Friday
Seen it?1940 | 92 min | Comedy, Romance, Crime
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (99% on Rotten Tomatoes), it was a solid box office hit and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans, romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Thin Man or Broadcast News, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 32 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1940: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Walter Burns is an irresistibly conniving newspaper publisher desperate to woo back his paper’s star reporter, who also happens to be his estranged wife. She’s threatening to quit and settle down with a new beau, but, as Walter knows, she has a weakness: she can’t resist a juicy scoop.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
99% on Rotten Tomatoes, 94 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerStrong
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 157K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Thin Man
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Porter Hall, in another critically acclaimed crime comedy.
Broadcast News Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Prizzi's Honor
Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Burke & Hare Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Howard Hawks
- Cary GrantWalter Burns
- Rosalind RussellHildy Johnson
- Ralph BellamyBruce Baldwin
- Gene LockhartSheriff Hartwell
- Porter HallMurphy
- Ernest TruexBensinger
- Cliff EdwardsEndicott
- Clarence KolbMayor
- Roscoe KarnsMcCue
- Frank JenksWilson