The Front Page | Critical Overview
When The Front Page first opened in New York City in 1928, the play’s critical praise was qualified by a controversy over language. Many reviewers considered it harsh and inappropriate.
J. Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times summed up the controversy. He asserted, ‘‘The Front Page, which is one of the tautest and most unerring melodramas of the day bruises the sensitive ear with a Rabelaisaian vernacular unprecedented for its uphill and down-dale blasphemy.’’
Still, Atkinson found much to praised. ‘‘Hilarious, gruesome, and strident by...
[The entire page is 764 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
Summary and Analysis – Themes – Characters – And much more...
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
Tell a friend about The Front Page at eNotes.
