Review of His Girl Friday (1940) by Michael Y — 02 Nov 2010

Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell make one hell of a team in this mile a minute comedy about the hottest story in the city.

Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell star as newspaper publisher and reporter Walter and Hildy. Walter and Hildy used to be married, but now divorced, Hildy has just been engaged and is about to leave the newspaper business with her soon to be husband. But Walter's cunning strategy leans Hildy to do one more story about a man who is scheduled for execution. But the shit hits the fan, the prisoner escapes and Hildy and Walter are back in business again. This movie is down-right hillarious. The writing is phenominal with it's comedic creativity. But it's the cast that really makes the movie, saying their lines fast as lightning to put the audience in the place of the newspaper business of the '40s. You really have to give credit to the cast because it's the non-stop energy that makes this film so hilarious.

The movie has some great sets, setting the movie mostly in 2 rooms, yet the enviroment looks very authentic and stressful to work in, which sets the perfect mood for this comedy. The costumes are also tastefully flashy, especially Russell's wardrobe.

I laughed myself silly watching this movie. It's not everyday you see a classic piece that's incredably funny, but the dialogue in this film is top notch and the laughs barely stop. Though the actors's energy is so high you have to keep your ears listening constantly to not miss a beat, but when you listen this film is highly rewarding.