The Legacy and Enduring Impact of ‘The Front Page’

On August 14, 1928, the original audience of The Front Page at New York’s Times Square Theatre witnessed more than just the play. Amid applause, one of its authors proposed to actress Helen Hayes, and she accepted. This true event highlights the emotional backdrop of a play that emerged from the experiences of two Chicago journalists, Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, amidst a city rife with political corruption. Though simple in plot, the play’s influence has been profound and lasting.

Reporter Hildy Johnson plans to leave journalism, marry, and join the advertising industry in New York. His editor, Walter Burns, persuades him to stay for one last story, involving the escape of condemned murderer Earl Williams. Set entirely in a dingy press room, the play features poker-playing, wise-cracking reporters, a mayor concerned about re-election, and a crooked sheriff. This production, almost a century old, has been chosen to inaugurate Northlight Theatre’s new $32 million venue in Evanston.

Northlight’s Artistic Director, BJ Jones, expressed enthusiasm: “I love this play and believe it speaks volumes about our contemporary world. It is deeply rooted in Chicago’s essence, illuminating our era, politics, and media while being incredibly humorous.” Tim Evans, the Executive Director, shared this excitement: “It’s a significant time for the theater, and the play remains layered and relevant.”

The play debuted with the backing of producer Jed Harris and was steered by director George S. Kaufman, who shaped comedy in the 1920s and ’30s. Although the original stars like Osgood Perkins and Lee Tracy are largely forgotten, the play’s impact remains. The New Republic criticized its vulgarity, while E.B. White of The New Yorker praised its unfiltered portrayal of modern journalism’s frenzy. He called it a tremendous hit, influencing playwrights like Tennessee Williams.

The first stage production ran for 278 performances and was restaged on Broadway in 1946, 1969, 1986, and 2016. The latter included stars like Nathan Lane, John Slattery, and John Goodman. The film versions include the 1931 release of The Front Page and 1940’s His Girl Friday, which reversed Hildy’s gender and made her the ex-wife of Walter Burns, played by Cary Grant. Billy Wilder directed the 1974 film remake featuring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.

This new adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher, who previously adapted “Dial M for Murder” for Northlight, uses the “Girl Friday” template, casting Hildy as a female character. Previews start on September 9 with a cast of 13 acclaimed Chicago actors.

Actor Gary Houston, a longstanding figure in local theater since starring in the original Grease production, recalls his time at the Goodman Theater’s rendition of The Front Page in 1981. Having worked at the Sun-Times, he brings unique authenticity to roles depicting journalism. He fondly remembers understudying Walter Burns and the compliment from a viewer, “You done us proud.”

Today’s media landscape, emphasizing digital and social media, differs vastly from what The Front Page depicts. Still, Hecht and MacArthur masterfully captured journalism’s timeless pursuit of sensational headlines over truth. Their portrayal remains pertinent amid political and media distrust. As E.B. White reflected, “The only thing the matter with it is its perfection.”

Reflecting on personal connections, a story persists about Hecht and MacArthur during the play’s opening night. A friend of Hecht’s widow recounted how Hayes leaped into MacArthur’s arms, agreeing to marry him. Three days later, they were wed, adding a romantic note to the play’s legendary history.