Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

His Girl Friday

1940

Directed by Howard Hawks

In the grand tapestry of classic cinema, certain films emerge as enduring treasures that continue to dazzle audiences across generations. His Girl Friday is undeniably one of those timeless gems. Directed by the legendary Howard Hawks and featuring the charismatic duo of Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, this 1940 screwball comedy is a whirlwind of wit, romance, and journalistic mayhem that remains as fresh and hilarious today as it did over eight decades ago.

The film opens with an irresistible premise: Walter Burns (Cary Grant), the sharp-tongued and perpetually scheming editor of The Morning Post, is determined to win back his star reporter and ex-wife, Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell), who is on the verge of remarrying a kind-hearted but somewhat dull insurance salesman named Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy). With the skill of a maestro, Hawks sets the stage for a whirlwind of frenetic energy and rapid-fire dialogue that rarely lets up.

The genius of His Girl Friday lies in its razor-sharp screenplay, crafted by Charles Lederer, Ben Hecht, and Charles MacArthur. The dialogue in this film is nothing short of a linguistic acrobatics display, as characters engage in verbal duels and quip-filled exchanges that are second to none. Cary Grant’s Walter Burns is a master manipulator, using every trick in the book, from flattery to outright deception, to keep Hildy by his side and out of the arms of her adoring fiancé.

Rosalind Russell’s portrayal of Hildy Johnson is a revelation. She is the embodiment of the modern, independent woman of the 1940s, quick-witted, and fiercely determined. Her banter with Cary Grant is electrifying, and the chemistry between them is palpable. The way she effortlessly navigates the whirlwind newsroom chaos while holding her own is a testament to her character’s strength and intelligence.

Beyond the central love triangle, His Girl Friday is a biting satire of the newspaper industry and the cutthroat world of journalism. The frenzied newsroom scenes are a chaotic ballet of typewriters, phone calls, and colorful characters, creating a vibrant backdrop for the film’s comedic genius. It’s a world where ethics are flexible, and the pursuit of a good story often trumps everything else.

Howard Hawks’ direction is impeccable, allowing the actors to shine while maintaining a breakneck pace that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The decision to change the gender of the character from male to female (Hildy was originally a male character in The Front Page, the play on which the film is based) was a stroke of genius, adding an extra layer of tension and complexity to the story.

Of course, I must acknowledge that His Girl Friday isn’t just a comedy; it’s a lesson in timing, delivery, and the art of verbal sparring. The film’s influence on the screwball comedy genre is immeasurable, and its rapid-fire dialogue and dynamic performances continue to inspire filmmakers to this day.

In conclusion, His Girl Friday is a cinematic treasure that has stood the test of time. Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell’s performances are nothing short of iconic, and their comedic chemistry is a sight to behold. Howard Hawks’ direction, combined with the sparkling script, creates a cinematic experience that is pure joy from start to finish. If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching this classic, do yourself a favor and dive headfirst into the madcap world of His Girl Friday. It’s a delightful journey that will leave you laughing and marveling at the sheer brilliance of classic Hollywood filmmaking.