His Girl Friday
His Girl Friday

Movie spotlight

His Girl Friday

1940
Movie
92 min
English

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.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic92
Google Users94%
Director: Howard HawksGenres: Comedy, Romance, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

Hildy Johnson, a sharp newspaper editor, is about to leave her job and marry her fiancé, Bruce Baldwin. However, her ex-husband and editor-in-chief, Walter Burns, manipulates her into covering one last story: the escape of an anarchist and the framing of a conscientious objector. As Hildy gets drawn back into the fast-paced world of journalism, her old feelings for Walter resurface, leading to a chaotic and witty battle of wits.

Critical Reception

Considered one of the greatest screwball comedies ever made, His Girl Friday was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Its rapid-fire dialogue, witty performances, and innovative camera work were widely praised. It remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its sophisticated humor and sharp social commentary.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sophisticated humor and rapid-fire dialogue.

  • Lauded for the sparkling chemistry and performances of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

  • Recognized for its innovative filmmaking and sharp social commentary.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's enduring charm, comedic brilliance, and the captivating performances of its lead actors. Many appreciate its timeless wit and fast-paced narrative.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story for Jo Swerling, although it did not win. It is frequently cited on AFI's lists of greatest films.

Fun Fact

The famous rapid-fire dialogue in 'His Girl Friday' was largely improvised by Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, a testament to their comedic timing and chemistry.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is a belter of a film! Essentially just a two hander with Cary Grant ("Walter Burns") as the editor of a newspaper facing the loss of his ex-wife, and best reporter Rosalind Russell ("Hildy Johnson") who has decided to marry Ralph Bell...

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