Episode 12 – His Girl Friday

This week the tables are turned and Charlie hadn’t seen the quintessential screwball comedy His Girl Friday (1940). We discuss how the movie was affected by the Hollywood Production code, the dark undertones of the movie, and how we love Cary Grant (because who doesn’t?). The BBC Culture just listed it as the #14 comedy of all time. Charlie’s brain wasn’t fast enough to process all the witty banter, but otherwise he agrees!

 

Clarifications:

This is the first guest-less episode, but I’m sure there will be more. Are there any movies you would like to subject us to? Contact us at cinematicrespect@gmail.com!

Here’s some info about the Motion Picture Production Code. Yes, it’s just wikipedia, but this seems legit to me! I’ll probably try to read a book on it soon, so I’ll let you know when I’m a bit more literate on the subject.

Ack, we completely forgot to discuss what the title His Girl Friday actually means! It’s a reference to Robinson Crusoe, who had a native manservant named Friday. In one of the clips we play, Hildy says that Walter had treated her like an assistant. So hence, she was “His Girl Friday”. Pretty deep dig on the title there, and a bit insulting towards Hildy, depending on whose point of view the title references. The much more appropriate title Newsies would unfortunately sit on the shelf for another 52 years.

Adam has confirmed it: Charlie only gets one recommendation per episode. I’m glad I stayed in line!

 

Movies We Reference:

The Philadephia Story (1940)

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

Charade (1963)

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Blow-Up (1966)

 

Next Episode:

The Graduate (1967)