Front Page the Commedy

 The Front Page was a comedy created in 1974, and was filmed in Chicago during a time when journalists were relentless and competing against each other for the best stories. Throughout the comedy, we see Hildy Johnson announce his retirement, but soon after he backs down on his word because of a breaking story. 

    Hildy Johnson was on the cusp of making the move to Philadelphia with his wife when a prisoner escaped police custody causing breaking headlines everywhere. Upon this news, the newspaper he was working for had quickly got in contact with him asking him to return. 

    As we see through the comedy, this show displays a different perspective of journalism that we don't see today. The manner in which these reporters conducted themselves is not something that ordinarily ever happens. These reporters were all surrounded by gambling and smoking, while waiting for more breaking headlines, but today, we see the journalists out in the field pressing these officers on the scene and reporting to the newsroom.

    As seen throughout the comedy, journalists during this time were willing to give up anything to get the story out. Hildy even took the prisoner who had escaped, and hid him to make his story seem better than it actually was. 

    This shows the fierce competition between the journalists to secure the best story. Peggy, his now wife, with whom he is getting ready to make the move was all set to hit the road when this prisoner escapes. Peggy gets fed up but Hildy doesn't leave because he knows that he will get the best story. Soon after, Hildy does and the prisioner comes through the window and Hildy locks the windown and doors to interview the prisoner. 

Now althought this action packed story is so fast-paced and far-fetched, the main story is from the journalists, and this happened during a time where people were looking to sell the most and get the most views. It was this mindset that prompted them to pull out all the stops and do anything to beat the competition. 

Smoking and gambling at the table 

People during this time looked for this action packed breaking news stories and the newspapers fed off of this revenue as seen by the connection between Hildy and his respected boss. Gossip was not ruled out of the stories as well, since they would be sure to spice things up. 

Journalists have the right to be themselves and speak freely to report the news that everyone wants to hear, although sometimes people attempt to limit what they can say. Even though the world of journalism has evolved through time, some things are long-standing and will always remain constant. 

Journlists have duties and those duties are followed and trusted by the public. It was amazing for me to see how even Hildy would not turn down the opportunity to engage and publish one last story, even if it meant losing his soon to be wife.