Question 1

Why are the telephone mouthpieces missing in the newsroom?

Accepted Answer

Candlestick phone mouthpieces were believed to spread tuberculosis germs. Bensinger guards his own glass mouthpiece, considered less germ-prone.

Question 2

How were the journalists in the film based on real people?

Accepted Answer

They were based on actual Chicago reporters who worked with authors Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. Hildy Johnson was based on Hildebrand Johnson, Walter Burns on Walter Howey, and Mac McCue on Buddy McHugh.

Question 3

What censorship issue affected the film's final line?

Accepted Answer

The last line from the stage play had to be partly obscured by a typewriter sound because censors wouldn't allow the phrase 'son-of-a-bitch' in the movie.

Question 4

What unusual filming technique was used for this early sound film?

Accepted Answer

It was shot with three cameras simultaneously, creating three negatives: the best for the US version, second-best for the UK, and the third for international markets. Some scenes were reshot with different dialogue for international audiences.

Question 5

What drives the plot of The Front Page?

Accepted Answer

Reporter Hildy Johnson sees an opportunity for a career-making story when an accused murderer escapes. After finding the man, he learns he may be innocent and, with his editor, hides him to uncover a conspiracy and write the scoop.

The Front Page

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