Sixième édition

Saw 'Front Page Woman' as a big fan of classic film. As somebody who liked the premise, which indicated that it would be quite a fun diversion as long as one didn't expect too much. Have said more than once about liking/loving other Michael Curtiz-directed films, with two of my all time favourite films being 'Casablanca' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'. Bette Davis and George Brent have been fine in other things, individually and even together.

A fun diversion 'Front Page Woman' turned out to be and it is worth seeing for anybody that likes racy for the time films, a nice chemistry between good casts and those involved on good if perhaps not great form. Though 'Front Page Woman' is also in my view a film that one shouldn't expect too much from, not for anybody expecting realism and am not trying to be snobbish or childish here (it does depend on the level of "unrealistic").

'Front Page Woman' is very nicely photographed and Davis looks fabulous in her wardrobe. As was usually the case, Curtiz's direction is efficient and he never seemed uncomfortable with the material. The story may not offer many surprises or realism in its depiction of newspaper life, but it has a lively energy throughout and is never less than entertaining.

The dialogue sparkles in its sharp wit, also being remarkably racy in particularly what it has to say on the working women. The chemistry between Davis and Brent is hard to resist, likewise with their performances. Brent getting the very slight edge.

Coming onto the not so good things, while never less than entertaining, 'Front Page Woman' is one of those "solid in all ways but not a lot exceptional" sort of films. If there were more surprises (even if just a few) and if it didn't try so hard in some places it would have been even better than it was.

Supporting cast are all competent but nobody is amazing or on the same level as Davis and Brent. Roscoe Karns in the most colourful supporting role coming closest.

In conclusion, entertaining. 7/10

In this film, Bette plays Ellen Garfield, the sole female reporter for The Daily Star. Bette's character is engaged to Curt Devlin, portrayed by the ever reliable George Brent. Brent's character is also a reporter at the rival newspaper. Brent keeps pressuring Davis to marry him, but she won't until he admits that she is as good a "newsman" as he is. It seems that Brent, along with all the other men in this film, feel that Davis couldn't possibly be a good reporter, because she's a woman. As per usual in these types of films, Davis sets out to "scoop" her fiance and not only prove to him that she's a good newsman, but also prove to her employer and herself.

Davis and Brent both arrive at the scene of a fire to get the story for their respective newspapers. Davis' story ends up being a fluffy writing piece about the fire. Brent's story on the other hand, involves a missing persons case that results from the fire. Of course, Davis' employer is furious that her story is nothing and Brent found an angle that no other newspaper found. Davis is close to being fired, but she promises her employer that she'll come back with a new story, something really great and exclusive.

The remainder of the story involves Davis and Brent both investigating the same missing person case and trying to "out-scoop" each other at every turn. Davis has to continually deal with chauvinistic comments from her fiance and colleagues which only fuels her desire to prove them all wrong.

I thought this was a really fun film and enjoyed how the story and mystery progressed. While Brent is never exciting, I thought he was fine in this film and was a good foil for Davis. I can see why she made so many films with him--he was never going to outshine her. Perhaps this is why she didn't get along with male co-stars like Errol Flynn.

With Bette Davis doing a role that Glenda Farrell or Joan Blondell was used to doing and George Brent standing in for James Cagney or Pat O'Brien, Front Page Woman is about a sob sister columnist wanting to prove she's as good at investigative reporting as the man she loves. Brent's a good guy all right, but he certainly believes that woman's place is in the home or writing a woman's column about same.

The chance comes when both are sent by their rival papers to cover a fire. The fire it turns out was only a ruse to cover the stabbing of a bigshot played by Huntley Gordon. As the investigation, arrest, and trial proceed, Davis and Brent go on scooping spree to show the other up who is the better reporter.

That kind of fun can certainly put a strain on a relationship and the two of them, Brent more so, play fast and loose with the criminal justice system to get that scoop over the other. In the end the crime revolves around a love triangle with Gordon, mystery lady Wini Shaw, and polo player Gordon Westcott.

Contrary to rumor Bette Davis could play comedy though it was not her strong suit. Her material is slight, but she does her best to rise above a role she's miscast in. Her devoted fans will certainly not turn away from Front Page Woman.

Rival reporters Garfield and Devlin are also a couple who delight in scooping each other often to the detriment of their respective papers. Brent and Davis are charming together and have an easy rapport. Curtiz's workmanlike direction and the rapid fire dialogue still hold up well, helped by the story's hesitation to endorse traditional male/female roles. If this proto-screwball comedy has a flaw it's that Garfield never seems a savvy enough rival for Devlin despite topping him to keep their endless competition going. Reminiscent of `The Front Page' and `His Girl Friday.' Recommended.

Greatly enjoyed this Betty Davis film which I had never viewed and found Davis at her very best in appearance and in a very light hearted role she portrayed as Ellen Garfield. I believe Davis was around 27 years of age when she appeared in this film and she was very charming and had a good supporting actor, George Brent, (Curt Devlin) who was a star reporter for his newspaper and was in competition with Ellen Garfield to get the big scoop or headline stopper for their respective newspapers. This couple were also love birds who had intentions to get married only under certain terms they agreed upon together, a sort of contest that would lead to some very important big steps in their lives. Veteran actor Roscoe Karns, (Toots O'Grady) was the photographer for Curt Devlin and gave a great supporting comical role through out the entire picture. This is a very enjoyable 1935 Classic film and I believe that Davis and Brent both gave outstanding performances. Enjoy.