The Front Page (1931)

In the bustling heart of the press room, seasoned newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson finds himself caught in a web of humor, intrigue, and professional temptation. Engaged to the charming Peggy Grant, Hildy anticipates a fresh start in New York with a lucrative advertising job. Yet, the chaotic world of journalism refuses to release him just yet. The press room, a haven for eccentric reporters who concoct tales as swiftly as they pen them, is abuzz with the impending hanging of Earl Williams. An unexpected twist arises when Williams, aided by the incompetence of the local Sheriff, makes a daring escape. Seizing the opportunity, Hildy invests his honeymoon funds into gaining insider information on Williams' whereabouts. However, he finds himself ensnared by Walter Burns, the sly editor of the Post, who hopes to keep Hildy bound to the story and reluctant to repay the borrowed funds. As the plot thickens, Hildy stumbles upon the disoriented escapee and cleverly conceals him within the press room's roll-top desk. The arrival of Burns to aid in the ruse sets the stage for a relentless game of wit and deception. With the nosy Sheriff and curious reporters on their heels, the duo must outsmart them all to secure their exclusive scoop. "The Front Page" is a high-octane, irreverently hilarious newsroom saga that leaves a trailblazer mark in cinematic history. It effortlessly blends scathing satire with relentless pacing, pushing the boundaries of screwball comedy. The film not only forged the path for subsequent newsroom comedies but also earned it accolades including Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director, and a place on the esteemed National Film Registry. This is not just a film about a hanging—it's a joyride through the chaotic, amusing, and high-stakes world of journalism.

The Front Page is a comedy movie featuring Pat O’Brien.

The Front Page is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, Public Domain Movies and The Film Detective and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video, Classix, Criterion Channel, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Max Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy The Front Page on Amazon Video or rent it on Pantaflix.