Watch The Front Page

The Front Page is a 1974 American comedy-drama directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Susan Sarandon. The film is a remake of the 1931 film of the same name, which was based on the 1928 play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. The movie is set in 1929 Chicago and follows the story of newspaper reporter Hildy Johnson (Jack Lemmon) who is planning to retire and leave Chicago with his fiancé Peggy Grant (Susan Sarandon). However, his editor and friend Walter Burns (Walter Matthau) has other plans for him, as he is desperate to keep Hildy on board to help him with his latest scoop. Walter claims that a man named Earl Williams is sitting on death row, waiting to be executed, for killing a police officer, but he is innocent.

Hildy is initially hesitant to take the story, as he has made his mind up to leave the newspaper business and start a new life with Peggy. However, Walter convinces him to stay for one last story, promising him a promotion and other perks. But as they start to dig into the case, things begin to unravel at an alarming rate.

As they investigate the case, Hildy and Walter discover that Earl Williams is not the only victim of a corrupt system. The police, the politicians, and the press are all implicated in a web of deception and cover-ups, and they will stop at nothing to keep the truth from coming out.

The movie is a sharp commentary on the state of American journalism and politics in the late 1920s, and it is remarkably relevant in today's world. The script is witty, fast-paced, and clever, with some of the best one-liners and zingers you will ever hear in a movie.

The performances are also outstanding, especially Jack Lemmon, who is absolutely brilliant as Hildy Johnson. He brings humor and heart to the role, and his chemistry with Walter Matthau is undeniable. Matthau, on the other hand, plays the role of the manipulative editor to perfection, with just the right blend of charm and sleaze.

Susan Sarandon, in her earliest film role, plays Peggy Grant, Hildy's fiancé, who is caught in the middle of the chaos. She is intelligent, fierce, and independent, and she holds her own against the two veteran actors.

The film's cinematography is also notable, with expertly framed shots and creative camera angles that keep the viewer engaged from beginning to end. The use of black and white adds to the film's noirish feel, and the jazz-infused score by composer Billy May is spot-on.

Overall, The Front Page is an expertly crafted comedy-drama that balances humor, social commentary, and suspense to great effect. It is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema, and it remains one of the best films in Billy Wilder's impressive filmography.