His Girl Friday (1940) Howard Hawks
HUM 110: Introduction to American Film
North Seattle College
Describe in detail each of the below male characters. Consider aspects such as behavior, speech, physical
presence, clothing, appearance, occupation, goals, motivations, and actions.
Walter Burns:
Bruce Baldwin:
Sheriff Peter B. Hartwell:
The Mayor:
Earl Williams:
Look over the above characteristics and consider how men are portrayed, both individually and as a whole.
What message is the film sending about men, their characteristics, and their place/role in society? Is there more
than one message?
Describe in detail each of the below female characters. Consider aspects such as behavior, speech, physical
presence, clothing, appearance, occupation, goals, motivations, and actions.
Hildy Johnson:
Mollie Malloy:
Mrs. Baldwin:
Look over the above characteristics and consider how women are portrayed, both individually and as a whole.
What message is the film sending about women, their characteristics, and their place/role in society? Is there
more than one message?
Now, consider the differences between how women and men are portrayed in this film (based on your
observations above). What conclusions might be drawn about gender roles in the 1940s? Do you see any
similarities between the gender roles depicted in His Girl Friday and romantic comedies made today? Do you
see any differences?