The Front Page
Seen it?1931 | 101 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. 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
- Great for anyone who loves watching the truth get chased down and people who like their stories with a little danger. It's about the digging, and what it costs to get the story. Fans of Take the Money and Run or Fletch should feel right at home.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Gives its people room to develop, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1931: an older pace and style.
- Skip it if you're after something serious tonight.
Hildy Johnson is an investigative reporter looking for a bigger paycheck. When an accused murderer escapes from custody, Hildy sees an opportunity for the story of a lifetime. But when he finds the criminal, he learns that the man may not be guilty. With the help of his editor, Hildy attempts to hide the convict, uncover the conspiracy and write the scoop of his career.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$700K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 34K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
It Happened One Night
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
Absence of Malice
Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Take the Money and Run Saturday SpecialAnother crime comedy that's easy to miss.
Fletch Saturday SpecialAnother crime comedy, and a Saturday Special.
The Old Man & the Gun Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Lewis Milestone
- Adolphe MenjouWalter Burns
- Pat O'BrienHildy Johnson
- Mary BrianPeggy Grant
- Edward Everett HortonBensinger
- Walter CatlettMurphy
- George E. StoneEarl Williams
- Mae ClarkeMolly
- Slim SummervillePincus
- Matt MooreKruger
- Frank McHughMcCue