The Front Page 1974
"It's the hottest story since the Chicago fire...and they're sitting on it."
Billy Wilder's razor-sharp 1974 comedy *The Front Page* drops viewers into the chaotic world of 1920s Chicago journalism, where the city's most notorious newspaper editor Walter Burns (Walter Matthau) will stop at nothing to delay his top reporter Hi...
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast
Jack Lemmon
Hildebrand Johnson
Walter Matthau
Walter Burns
Susan Sarandon
Peggy Grant
Vincent Gardenia
Sheriff
David Wayne
Roy Bensinger
Allen Garfield
Kruger
Austin Pendleton
Earl Williams
Charles Durning
Murphy
Herb Edelman
Schwartz
Martin Gabel
Dr. Max J. Eggelhofer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Front Page (1974) about?
Billy Wilder's *The Front Page* follows the ruthless Chicago editor Walter Burns as he tries to delay his star reporter Hildy Johnson's retirement by dragging him into one last high-stakes story. With Hildy desperate to escape the madness of tabloid journalism, Burns resorts to increasingly desperate tactics to keep his top talent on the beat—leading to a whirlwind of deception, wit, and unrelenting chaos.
Who directed The Front Page?
The film was directed by the legendary Billy Wilder, known for his sharp comedies and masterful storytelling in classics like *Some Like It Hot* and *Sunset Boulevard*.
Who stars in The Front Page?
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau headline the cast, joined by Susan Sarandon, Vincent Gardenia, and David Wayne in this ensemble comedy.
Is The Front Page (1974) worth watching?
Absolutely—this 1974 Wilder gem is a razor-sharp farce with standout performances from Lemmon and Matthau. Fans of vintage media satire and fast-paced dialogue will find much to love, even if the IMDb rating isn't widely documented. It's a hilarious yet biting look at journalism's golden age that holds up brilliantly today.
How long is The Front Page?
The runtime for *The Front Page (1974)* is 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Front Page (1974) — Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau's Classic Media Satire
Billy Wilder's razor-sharp 1974 comedy *The Front Page* drops viewers into the chaotic world of 1920s Chicago journalism, where the city's most notorious newspaper editor Walter Burns (Walter Matthau) will stop at nothing to delay his top reporter Hildy Johnson's (Jack Lemmon) retirement. With Hildy eager to leave the grind behind, Burns schemes to keep him on the case of a headline-grabbing execution, setting off a deliciously cynical dance of manipulation, corruption, and fast-talking charm. Wilder's wit crackles through every scene, blending satire with slapstick as the reporters' relentless pursuit of the story collides with their own flawed ambitions.
Lemmon and Matthau deliver career-defining performances in this adaptation of the classic play, their chemistry amplifying the film's biting commentary on ethics, ambition, and the cutthroat media landscape. Packed with rapid-fire dialogue and unforgettable supporting turns from Susan Sarandon and Vincent Gardenia, *The Front Page (1974)* remains a timeless farce that feels as fresh as the morning paper.
