The remake "His Girl Friday" was better in every way. I did write out a long argument but my computer died... So this is is it. The acting is far better, as is the direction and production I don't think it's fair to compare the sound or lighting because this film is so old. Even so, "His Girl Friday" is superb.
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Changing Hildy's gender is crucial. In retrospect it seems so obvious she should be a woman. I liked the dynamic of the reporters in the press room in The Front Page but it's no better than HGF, all in all I have to agree with you.
shareVery good points!
shareChanging Hildy's gender is indeed crucial, and so was the casting of Cary Grant.
If it stars two straight men, it's the story of an abusive boss screwing up an employee's life. With a female Hildy and Cary Grant as Burns, it's the story of two people who are absolutely meant for each other getting over their difficulties.
This version seems to be of considerable historical interest, however. How people talked in 1931, what newspaper people were really like in those days, etc. I wish the audio was a bit easier though.
shareOne reason I like classic films is what they do show and tell us about the time they were produced. Films with shots of downtown NYC, for example, show us so much. The Chaplin and Keaton movies come to mind; silents were shot outdoors more often.
shareThe camera work is more interesting here. The acting - some of it better here, some of it there. Sound is early, no question. I think the surviving elements are too poor to truly appreciate the lighting or find any enjoyment in the photography other than the camera movement. There is no reason though why this film should be lit any worse - there are films as old (and much older) that look immaculate.
In general though, the Hawks' film is better because it's simply more exiting, it drags considerably less.