Hildy Johnson is an investigative reporter looking for a bigger paycheck. When an accused murderer escapes from custody, Hildy sees an opportunity for the story of a lifetime. But when he finds the criminal, he learns that the man may not be guilty. With the help of his editor, Hildy attempts to hide the convict, uncover the conspiracy and write the scoop of his career.
Acting
Adolphe Menjou's editor steals every scene he's in.
Writing
Lightning-fast dialogue that never lets you breathe.
Direction
Milestone's camera races through the newsroom like a reporter.
Director
Lewis Milestone
Adolphe Menjou
Walter Burns
Pat O'Brien
Hildy Johnson
Mary Brian
Peggy Grant
Edward Everett Horton
Bensinger
Walter Catlett
Murphy
George E. Stone
Earl Williams
Mae Clarke
Molly
Slim Summerville
Pincus
Matt Moore
Kruger
Frank McHugh
McCue
Clarence Wilson
Sheriff Hartman
Phil Tead
Wilson
Eugene Strong
Endicott
Spencer Charters
Woodenshoes
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the first sound adaptation of the 1928 play; Hawks remade it as 'His Girl Friday' switching Hildy's gender.
The 'pre-Code' freedom shows in casual corruption jokes that vanished after 1934 censorship—this newspaper room feels genuinely sleazy.
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