it's still quite enjoyable. It's always wonderful to see Lemmon and Matthau together, exchanging the quite-witted banter that made the previous incarnations of this production (both stage and screen) so entertaining.
But I must confess, that if I had to recommend just one of the many versions of this story, it would have to be the Cary Grant version, "His Girl Friday". However, if you have the opportunity to see this 1974 treatment, then by all means, do so. The mere fact that this film takes place in the 1930's and is brought to the screen in the 1970's, does add something that the earlier versions could not; profanity. I've never recommended a film strictly on that basis, but come on, these are hard-core news men, who we all know curse, drink and smoke like fiends. The ability to add the colorful language makes this version all the more believable.
There are certainly moments of hilarity, albeit a bit fractured and without the cohesiveness of the earlier versions. But still, it's Lemmon and Matthau. A pairing that's always worth watching.
A gave his film a 6 out of 10.
But I must confess, that if I had to recommend just one of the many versions of this story, it would have to be the Cary Grant version, "His Girl Friday". However, if you have the opportunity to see this 1974 treatment, then by all means, do so. The mere fact that this film takes place in the 1930's and is brought to the screen in the 1970's, does add something that the earlier versions could not; profanity. I've never recommended a film strictly on that basis, but come on, these are hard-core news men, who we all know curse, drink and smoke like fiends. The ability to add the colorful language makes this version all the more believable.
There are certainly moments of hilarity, albeit a bit fractured and without the cohesiveness of the earlier versions. But still, it's Lemmon and Matthau. A pairing that's always worth watching.
A gave his film a 6 out of 10.