Rewrite of "The Front Page" has unscrupulous New York newspaper editor attempting to woo away his former star-reporter--and ex-wife--from her new beau just so he can get a juicy lead column out of her regarding a poor schnook who's about to be executed for shooting a policeman ("A colored policeman...and the colored vote is very important in this town!"). Trenchant comedy about the news-biz seems tailored to stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, yet only Russell is really convincing in this madcap scenario. Grant, very young and perhaps a bit over-eager, gives Russell someone to bounce off of, but she's the one to watch. This black-and-white film, directed by the esteemed Howard Hawks, is an eyesore to look at, with flat, standard shots and dull set-ups. However, the editing keeps it fresh and, though the plot itself isn't worked out satisfactorily, the star-charisma does make it enjoyable. **1/2 from ****
Review of His Girl Friday
