Sixième édition

Ellen Garfield (Bette Davis) and Curt Devlin (George Brent) are combative reporters at rival newspapers who are in a relationship. She faints during an execution and he tries to cover for her. She gets into trouble after he files the same story to both papers. They continue their back and forth banter while she refuses to marry him. They start following the same story of a Broadway murder mystery.

The first notable aspect is that she's not a good reporter for the first part of the movie. I'm surprised that a woman wouldn't be fired or at least demoted to wedding announcements after fainting. Nevertheless, the dialogue is snappy. The leads especially with Davis are fun. It's light except for the murder. My only complaint is that this movie needs more time with the leads together. They should be investigating as a team but trying to scoop each other in print.

Bette Davis and George Brent star in "Front Page Woman," a 1935 film from Warner Brothers.

Davis and Brent, of course, were often paired, and they make a cute couple here. Davis is reporter Ellen Garfield, and Brent is ace reporter Curt Devlin. They're in love, but competitive at the same time, Ellen determined to prove herself.

Given the time period, Curt pooh-poohs Ellen's abilities, because of course as a married woman, she isn't going to be working. But she's not marrying him until she proves herself, and as far as working after marriage -- well, we'll see.

The two compete getting the story on a murder case, even listening at the keyhole during jury deliberation and both reporting opposite verdicts - and both making headlines. It's a game of oneupmanship all the way through.

Surprisingly feminist in its tone at the end, "Front Page Woman" is a fun film, with a hilarious performance by Roscoe Karns as a photographer thrown in. Always great to see Davis at any age. Here, young, blond, and vivacious, she's adorable.

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

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.