The Front Page is a CBS Television series, broadcast beginning September 29, 1949, and starring John Daly and Mark Roberts,^[1] with Richard Boone, Curt Conway and Janet Shaw. The live 30-minute show, based on the 1928 play The Front Page by Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht, aired Thursdays at 8pm ET.^[1]

Premise

The series revolved around editor Walter Burns and his star reporter Hildy Johnson.

In the series premiere an assassination attempt has been made on the city's corrupt mayor. Hildy is on his honeymoon, so Burns compels him to come back and cover the story by kidnapping Hildy's mother-in-law. After a follow-up assassination plot is discovered and foiled, Burns keeps Hildy in town by getting the mayor to arrest Hildy.^[2]

Cast

• John Daly as editor Walter Burns
• Mark Roberts as reporter Hildy Johnson
• Cliff Hall as Mayor Barber
• Leona Powers as Mrs. Grant
• Janet Shaw as Peggy Grant

Production

Donald Davis was the producer, Frank Heller was the director, and Alvin Sapinsley was the writer. The show originated from WCBS-TV.^[3]

Preservation status

Three episodes are in the collection of the Paley Center for Media.^[4]