Divisive at the time, Martin Ritt’s 1976 movie The Front is a great look at Hollywood blacklisting in the 50s and now has a 4K release. Interestingly, its writer and director were previously blacklisted, as were several of its actors. It stars Woody Allen, in one of his great performances outside of his own directed work.
“This acclaimed comedy — with its serious, compelling theme — vividly brings to life one of America’s most disturbing memories: the Communist ‘witch hunts’ of the ’50s. Woody Allen stars as Howard Prince — a small-time restaurant cashier, part-time bookie and full-time loser — who is induced by a writer-friend to ‘front’ for the submission of his TV scripts when he is blacklisted as an alleged subversive. Howard is soon ‘fronting’ for other writers. He becomes a celebrity and is lionized as television’s most brilliant and prolific young author. But when popular TV comic Hecky Brown (Zero Mostel) is blacklisted and his career is threatened, he agrees to keep Howard under surveillance. Howard is then summoned to appear before an investigative committee, and his stand before them brings about an unexpected, dramatic conclusion,” says the official description.
The Front features Woody Allen as Howard, a part-time bookie who is unexpectedly drawn into the entertainment industry after he begins fronting for blacklisted writers. Allen is great in the role and shines in both its more dramatic moments and its comedy. The film is a great look at McCarthyism and features a strong turn by Zero Mostel, who steals several scenes as Hecky Brown.
The Front 4K features a Dolby Vision transfer and looks stellar. The film has a great level of detail, allowing for the black levels to shine, and it’s the best-looking version of the film. It features a DTS-HD 2.0 mono track for audio and sounds good, as it is easy to make out the dialogue.
Sadly, The Front 4K release doesn’t include any new bonus features. It does retain a commentary track with actress Andrea Marcovicci and Twilight Time’s Nick Redman and Julie Kirgo, which is a worthwhile listen. It also features the film’s theatrical trailer.
The Front 4K Review: Final Verdict
The Front is an underrated movie and features one of Woody Allen’s best performances. The new 4K release is well worth owning for fans of the actor and those looking for a look at Hollywood blacklisting made by those who actually experienced it.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for its The Front 4K review.
