Film Review - The Front

Film Review by Allen Henriquez

The Front (1976)

Producer/Director: Martin Ritt

Writer: Walter Bernstein

Music: Dave Grusin

Cinematographer: Michael Chapman

Opening Song sung by Frank Sinatra

Cast: Woody Allen, Zero Mostel, Herschel Bernardi, Michael Murphy, Andrea Marcoricci, Danny Aiello

America suffered greatly after WWII’s and the hunt for Communists. "The Senator McCarthy terror" attacked Hollywood and ripped through the lives of talented good citizens and many Americans were absolutely destroyed. The writers in Hollywood who were blacklisted found others to “Front” them and pretend to be the writers of the material submitted. Woody Allen plays one of “The Front” writers.

The director, Martin Ritt, was one of those blacklisted, along with Zero Mostel, who gives a great performance, and was a brilliant, multi-talented artist. The film is filled with the other actual persons victimized; they are later identified.

The story is with humanity, warmth, and Woody is very, very funny. We heal when we see our flaws. The Front in the hands of the great director Martin Ritt is wonderful.