Product: The Front Page [VHS] (1974)
Rating: 4.0
'The Front Page' pleases with smart humor
If you are a journalism nerd or just enjoy a good laugh, "The Front Page" is a good choice. The movie is set in 1920s Chicago follows the story of Hildy Johnson (Jack Lemmon), who is the top reporter for newspaper editor Walter Burns (Walter Matthau). Hildy decides he wants to get out of the newspaper business and get married, but Walter doesn't want to lose his ace just as the biggest story of the year breaks out.The laughs are many, but only if you listen to the banter between the characters because there isn't a lot of physical humor.Also, from a journalism standpoint, it does provide an interesting look at what journalism was like, even if it is exaggerated a great deal.From my standpoint, it was kind of fun to see Lemmon and Matthau when they were younger, too. They are a great, comedic duo.I recommend this movie, but remember, you have to pay attention a little to get all the jokes and appreciated the cleverness.