Review of The Front

Woody Allen has always had the power to make people laugh. However in 1976, he allowed his serious side to shine as he played Howard Prince a down-on-his-luck average guy. The movie, " The Front " tells the story of a simple unemployed man, financially strapped who is asked by Black listed writer Alfred Miller (Michael Murphy) to submit a play to the Television studios, using his own name. With little concern, Howard does and is surprisingly accepted and paid. In time, other writers give him additional plays and for a percentage of their royalties, Howard gets the credit. He is so successful he comes to the attention of HUAC (House on UnAmerican Committee) and is asked to co-operate by revealing names of friends who may be affiliated with communists organizations. One of his friends is comedian is 'Hecky Brown' (Zero Mostel) a likable and struggling comic who tries to stay out of trouble but is threatened, coerced and driven to suicide by the powerful yet nameless shadowy men working for Joseph MaCarthy. Howard Prince is no writer, but he is a man of courage and conviction who exemplifies the courage necessary to combat the malignant evil which can arise when dark powers such as Senator MaCarthy go unchecked. Allen is superb and for his effort has given this movie the status of a social Classic which stands of its own accord. ****