Based on a stage play titled FRONT PAGE that had been filmed before this and then after, HIS GIRL FRIDAY changes the sex of the news reporter trying to get married to great success. I’ve seen parts of the later FRONT PAGE that starred Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and surprisingly, this film doesn’t even change the character’s name, leaving it Hildegaard “Hildy” Johnson.
In this film, the character is played by Rosalind Russell (PICNIC), but the other twist is that she was once married to her publisher Walter Burns (Cary Grant, NORTH BY NORTHWEST). Hildy comes to the paper to tell Walter that she is getting married to straight-laced insurance salesman Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy, TRADING PLACES). Walter doesn’t like the idea and does everything to persuade her to stay on as a reporter and not marry Bruce.
By changing the gender of Hildy, the film adds the conflict of Walter and Hildy getting back together to Walter’s desire to keep his best reporter. The original play was a satirical look at the ruthless nature of journalism and how it pertains to politics. At times, it’s quite cynical. That’s why I think the change in gender is a stroke of genius. Walter is a much more likeable character because an audience will forgive someone for scheming to keep their love, but less likely to like them if it is just to keep an employee in spite of their happiness.
Director Howard Hawks paces this one at breakneck speed. Before this, actors didn't trample on each other's dialogue, but following, it became a staple of the screwball comedy, which many consider Hawks the perfectionist of. While BRINGING UP BABY was simply unleashed insanity with a romantic twist, HIS GIRL FRIDAY added another level to the proceedings with the satire of newspapers, politics and the role of women in society.
As for the acting, Grant’s performance reminded me of his work in THE PHILADELPHIA STORY. The chemistry between Grant and Russell isn’t as sharp as Grant and Hepburn, but it’s miles above what counts as romantic comedy banter these days. The treat of the film is that it’s like watching two films running parallel. At the same time you have a romantic comedy and a poignant satire of the newspaper business as well as politics. Grant and Russell’s dialogue is at such a fevered pitch that I’m sure upon a second viewing I will get a great deal more of the jokes. This is a delightful film that is funny and charming as well as smart.
Buy "His Girl Friday" on DVD Here!
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
