His Girl Friday

Definition

His Girl Friday is a classic American screwball comedy film released in 1940, known for its fast-paced dialogue and clever use of gender dynamics. The film features a female newspaper reporter, Hildy Johnson, who is portrayed as both independent and competent, challenging traditional gender roles of the time. This cinematic work is significant for its sharp wit and the way it reflects and critiques societal norms around gender and sexuality during an era heavily influenced by the Hays Code.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The film is based on the play 'The Front Page' by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, which was adapted to highlight a female protagonist.
2. Rosalind Russell's portrayal of Hildy Johnson was groundbreaking for presenting a strong, career-oriented woman who outsmarts her male counterparts.
3. His Girl Friday features rapid-fire dialogue that creates a sense of urgency and excitement, which became a hallmark of screwball comedies.
4. The film cleverly navigates the restrictions of the Hays Code by suggesting romantic tension and conflicts without overtly explicit content.
5. The relationship dynamic between Hildy and her ex-husband Walter Burns showcases both competition and collaboration, reflecting evolving attitudes towards marriage and work.

Review Questions

• How does His Girl Friday challenge traditional gender roles present in films prior to its release?
  • His Girl Friday challenges traditional gender roles by presenting Hildy Johnson as a capable and independent woman who excels in her career as a newspaper reporter. Unlike typical female characters of that era who were often relegated to domestic roles, Hildy is portrayed as assertive, intelligent, and driven. This portrayal not only subverts expectations but also showcases women's evolving roles in society during a time when the Hays Code restricted many aspects of female representation.
• In what ways does His Girl Friday utilize comedic elements to comment on societal norms influenced by the Hays Code?
  • His Girl Friday employs screwball comedy elements such as rapid dialogue and absurd situations to subtly critique societal norms governed by the Hays Code. The film's humor often arises from the tension between Hildy's professional ambitions and her complicated relationship with Walter. By intertwining romance with career-driven narratives, the film cleverly navigates code restrictions while commenting on gender dynamics and marriage conventions in a comedic light.
• Evaluate how His Girl Friday reflects the broader cultural changes regarding gender roles and sexuality during its time of release.
  • His Girl Friday reflects significant cultural shifts regarding gender roles and sexuality by showcasing a female character who is not only ambitious but also challenges male authority. The film emerged during a period when women were beginning to assert more independence in various aspects of life, including work. By presenting Hildy as both a professional journalist and a complex individual navigating romantic entanglements, the film captures the tensions between traditional expectations and emerging modern identities, ultimately highlighting how societal perceptions were evolving in response to women's increasing presence in public life.

Related terms

Screwball Comedy: A genre of comedy that emerged during the Great Depression, characterized by its fast-paced dialogue, absurd situations, and often zany characters.

Hays Code:

A set of moral guidelines governing the production of films in the United States from the 1930s to the 1960s, aimed at ensuring that movies adhered to specific standards of decency.

Gender Norms: Socially constructed roles and behaviors that society considers appropriate for men and women, often reinforced through media representations.