His Girl Friday

1940

Director: Howard Hanks

Distributor: Columbia Pictures

Key Elements: Lines - Characters

Review: 

Newspaperman Walter Burns tries to coerce his ex-wife Hildy Johnson to leave her fiancé and return to editing the newspaper.

While the premise is intentionally kind of goofy, the dialogue makes this movie.  In fact it set the mold for the iconic fast-talking reporter, and set a precedent for movies that are driven by quick, witty dialogue a la Juno or The Social Network.

It’s a shame that these days movies driven by good writing like this aren’t more common.

Trailer:

Quotes:
What do you think I am, a crook?
-        Yes.

There's been a lamp burning in the window for ya, honey... here.
-       Oh, I jumped out that window a long time ago.

Walter, you're wonderful, in a loathsome sort of way.

I like him; he's got a lot of charm.
-       Well he comes by it naturally his grandfather was a snake.

Oh, you're losing your arm! You used to be able to pitch better than that.

Look, Hildy, I only acted like any husband that didn't want to see his home broken up.

- What home?
"What home"? Don't you remember the home I promised you?

He treats me like a woman.
-       Oh he does, does he? Mm-hm... how did I treat you? Like a water buffalo?

I wouldn't cover the burning of Rome for you if they were just lighting it up!

Madam, you are a cock-eyed liar!

You've got an old fashioned idea divorce is something that lasts forever...

I thought it would be a novelty to have a face around here a man could look at without shuddering.


Stills: