His Girl Friday Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman tries to escape her toxic ex, but he keeps dangling increasingly bizarre crimes in front of her until she forgets she wanted a normal life and chooses chaos again.

🍿 His Girl Friday: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Hildy’s Announcement

Hildy Johnson, a star reporter, arrives at the Morning Post to inform her ex-husband and boss, Walter Burns, that she’s quitting the newspaper business to marry Bruce Baldwin, a staid insurance agent. Walter, unwilling to lose his best reporter, is determined to sabotage Hildy’s plans.

Walter’s Schemes

Walter manipulates events to delay Hildy’s departure and discredit Bruce. He entices Hildy with the story of Earl Williams, a convicted cop killer awaiting execution, knowing her journalistic instincts will kick in. Walter uses underhanded tactics, including involving shady characters, to keep Bruce out of the picture.

The Earl Williams Story

Hildy becomes engrossed in the Earl Williams case, finding potential political corruption and questioning the fairness of the impending execution. As she investigates, she uncovers a web of deceit involving the mayor and the sheriff, who are more concerned with election votes than justice. The lure of a major scoop proves too strong for Hildy to resist.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Walter Burns (Cary Grant): The unscrupulous newspaper editor schemes to win back his ex-wife, Hildy, using any means necessary, including manipulating events and people.
• Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell): A talented and independent reporter torn between settling down with a new fiancé and the allure of her exciting, fast-paced career and her manipulative ex-husband.
• Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy): The naive and mild-mannered fiancé of Hildy, constantly undermined by Walter’s schemes and ultimately losing her.
• Earl Williams (John Qualen): A convicted cop killer whose impending execution becomes a pawn in the power plays between the newspaper, the mayor, and the sheriff.
• Sheriff Hartwell (Gene Lockhart): A bumbling and corrupt sheriff who is desperate to maintain a law-and-order image in the face of an upcoming election.
• Mollie Malloy (Helen Mack): A sympathetic figure connected to Earl Williams, who becomes a victim of the ruthless sensationalism of the press.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Walter Burns: “Listen, I’m offering you a job, a vacation, a chance to see the world, a new romance.” – Walter uses his charm and wit to tempt Hildy back into journalism and his life.
• Hildy Johnson: “Walter, you’re wonderful in a loathsome sort of way.” – Hildy expresses her complicated feelings for Walter, acknowledging his negative traits while still being drawn to him.
• Walter Burns: “He looks like that fellow in the movies… Ralph Bellamy.” – Walter makes a self-aware jab at Bruce, who is being played by the actor Ralph Bellamy.
• Hildy Johnson: “I’m not a woman. I’m a newspaper man!” – Hildy declares her true identity and passion for journalism.
• Walter Burns: “You wouldn’t want to be a woman, would you, Hildy?” – Walter is needling Hildy when trying to get her back in the game and into a story

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $296,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 His Girl Friday Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched ‘His Girl Friday’, and my face hurts from laughing! Cary Grant is such a charming jerk, and Rosalind Russell gives him a run for his money. The dialogue is insane! I had to rewind a couple times because they talk so fast. The scene where Hildy tackles the warden in heels? Comedy gold! Honestly, I can see why people call this a classic, it’s just pure entertainment. I totally get why she went back to Walter, you just can’t resist that kinda energy, it’s addictive!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic screwball comedies”
  • “Admirers of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell”
  • “Viewers who enjoy fast-paced witty dialogue”
  • “People interested in films about journalism”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief thematic elements dealing with crime and capital punishment”
  • “Some outdated attitudes and language may be considered insensitive by modern audiences”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Howard Hawks directs this rapid-fire comedy with a verve that’s hard to match. Grant and Russell deliver performances for the ages in this look at the gritty world of journalism. A must-see for fans of classic cinema, but the breakneck pace might leave you breathless.
• The New York Times: “His Girl Friday is a whirlwind of wit and cynicism, a sharp satire of the newspaper world. Cary Grant is at his most charmingly devious, and Rosalind Russell holds her own as the tough-as-nails reporter. It’s a classic for a reason.
• Chicago Tribune: ” Hawks’ ‘His Girl Friday’ is a masterclass in comedic timing. The overlapping dialogue and frenetic energy create a captivating experience, and the performances are stellar. A timeless film, and a reminder of the power of fast-talking dames.

Audience Reactions

The witty banter and rapid-fire dialogue had me laughing from beginning to end, a true comedic masterpiece!: Viewers frequently praise the incredible speed and wit of the dialogue.

Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell have amazing chemistry, their on-screen dynamic is truly unmatched.: Most agree that the performances of the two leads are exceptional.

Overall Consensus: A screwball comedy with rapid-fire dialogue and stellar performances, considered a classic of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Howard Hawks sped up the dialogue to an astounding 240 words per minute, far exceeding the standard 90 words per minute in most films. This rapid-fire delivery became a hallmark of the film.”
• “The character of Hildy Johnson was originally a male in the play ‘The Front Page’, on which this movie is based. Howard Hawks’ decision to make Hildy a woman, and Walter’s ex-wife, added a romantic and comedic element that wasn’t present in the original play.”
• “Cary Grant’s character Walter Burns makes a reference to someone he once knew called ‘Archie Leach,’ which is Cary Grant’s real name, as an inside joke for fans.”
• “During filming, Hawks encouraged improvisation and overlapping dialogue to create a more realistic and chaotic newsroom atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch His Girl Friday?

His Girl Friday is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast availability on channels specializing in classic films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed His Girl Friday, you might like these similar films:

• The Front Page (1974): A direct adaptation of the play that ‘His Girl Friday’ is loosely based on, offering a more faithful, though less romantic, take on the story.
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944): Another fast-paced, darkly comedic film starring Cary Grant, featuring witty dialogue and farcical situations.
• Sweet Smell of Success (1957): Explores the cutthroat world of journalism and the manipulative power of the press, though with a more cynical and dramatic tone.
• Broadcast News (1987): A modern take on the world of journalism, exploring the personal and professional lives of news reporters with sharp wit and intelligence.
• The Philadelphia Story (1940): Another classic screwball comedy from the same era, featuring witty banter, a strong female lead, and a love triangle with a journalist involved.

🛒 His Girl Friday Related Products

• The Front Page [Blu-ray]: Own the original play adaptation that inspired ‘His Girl Friday’, it’s a fascinating look at the story’s roots and a must-have for film buffs.
• Journalism T-Shirt: Show your love for the film and the profession with this stylish shirt.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood [Blu-ray]: A collection of classic film noir movies.
• Cary Grant: A Brilliant Legacy [Blu-ray]: A collection of Cary Grant’s greatest movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

His Girl Friday features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Morris Stoloff (uncredited)
• “End Title” – performed by Morris Stoloff (uncredited)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

His Girl Friday (1940) – A Better Offer Scene (1/12) | Movieclips

Want a taste of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell’s amazing chemistry? This scene is packed with witty banter and shows just how hard Walter tries to win Hildy back. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

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