The Front

Synopsis

The Front (1976) is a comedy-drama film directed by Martin Ritt, starring Woody Allen. Set during the era of McCarthyism in the 1950s, the movie follows a cashier who agrees to put his name on the television scripts of blacklisted writers. As the fame and fortune start rolling in, the protagonist faces moral dilemmas that test his loyalty and ethics. The film delves into the dark period of American history where political paranoia led to unjust persecution of individuals in the entertainment industry. Through witty humor and poignant moments, The Front navigates the complex dynamics of betrayal and integrity in a world gripped by fear and censorship.

Cast

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  Woody Allen

  Howard Prince

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  Zero Mostel

  Hecky Brown

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  Herschel Bernardi

  Philip Sussman

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  Michael Murphy

  Alfred Miller

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  Andrea Marcovicci

  Florence Barrett

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  Remak Ramsay

  Hennessey

Reviews

Critics have praised The Front for its sensitive portrayal of a dark chapter in American history. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 69% approval rating, with critics calling it a 'thought-provoking film that combines humor with a serious subject matter'. IMDb rates it at 7.3/10, highlighting Woody Allen's performance and the film's compelling narrative. The New York Times describes The Front as 'a compelling story of moral courage and personal sacrifice'. While some critics mention pacing issues and lack of depth in character development, most agree that the film succeeds in shedding light on an important historical event with a touch of humor and heart.