His Girl Friday

When we decided to watch His Girl Friday in class last week, I have to admit I was really excited. I had heard about the movie - witty humor, attractive men, and a fun plot. So unwittingly, I had set my expectations high.

The movie starts out with Hildegard, "Hildy", announcing to Walter Burns, her ex-husband and editor for The Morning Post, that she will no longer write for the paper, and that she is getting married to an insurance man, Bruce Baldwin. Well, Walter didn't fancy the idea of Hildy leaving (or getting married to another man) so he does everything in his power to sabotage her wedding, and comes up with an idea of getting her to write one last story before she leaves to Albany, New York to settle down as a housewife. Walter knew that Hildy couldn't resist the call of a "front page story", and entices her to cover the upcoming execution of a convicted murderer, Earl Williams. Walter even goes so far as to set up Hildy's fiance, Bruce, to be arrested on several occasions. It turns out wonderfully for Walter because Earl (the convict) escapes from prison and comes to Hildy for help. Naturally, she couldn't dismiss how perfect the situation is, and gets so wrapped up in the story that she all-together forgets Bruce and their plans to go to Albany that night so they could marry in the morning. Bruce leaves because he realizes that trying to get Hildy to go with him is pointless, and Walter re-proposes marriage to Hildy.

This movie is irritating on so many levels.

Let's talk about Walter Burns first.

He didn't just "lose" his moral compass. He threw it on the concrete where the glass shattered, then stomped on it until all the little gears went flying. What kind of man divorces his wife, then decides that he has all claim on her and her future decisions? What kind of man sets up an innocent to be thrown in jail time and time again? What kind of man would rather spend time with a typewriter and convicts than spend time with his wife on a honeymoon?! Scumbag.

I don't think any higher of Hildegard either. 

Her moral compass wasn't as brutally destroyed as Walters, but it's apparent as time went on, she trashed it all together. This became clear when she interviewed Earl, the convict. She asked slanted, one sided questions that would elicit a response that was "newsworthy", and then later completely avoided and forgot her fiance (whom she professed love for. Obviously you don't love him, so don't pretend).

Walter and Hildegard are perfect for each other. 

The movie did exactly what I feel it intended to. Elicit an emotional connection with the viewer. However, the emotional connection I made with it was one of contempt - not necessarily a good thing. 
As far as the rating, I think it is a great movie. It's funny, but completely irritating; captivating, but absolutely frustrating. Any movie that can do both - in my book - is worth watching.