The Front
A cashier poses as a writer for blacklisted talents to submit their work through, but the injustice around him pushes him to take a stand.
Critics Sentiment
Howard tells HUAC committee to go fuck themselves
Hecky Brown jumps from hotel window killing himself
The dramatic rise from Hecky's tragic suicide to Howard's triumphant defiance of the HUAC committee represents the film's core journey from despair to resistance.
The Front follows a classic arc from light comedy to serious drama, with Zero Mostel's tragic suicide serving as the emotional turning point that transforms Woody Allen's character. The film builds steadily toward its cathartic climax where Howard finds his voice and courage to confront institutional oppression. Critics consistently praised the authentic portrayal of McCarthyism's human cost while celebrating the ultimately hopeful message of individual resistance.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 51
Woody Allen
Howard Prince
Zero Mostel
Hecky Brown
Herschel Bernardi
Philip Sussman
Michael Murphy
Alfred Miller
Andrea Marcovicci
Florence Barrett
Remak Ramsay
Hennessey
Marvin Lichterman
Myer Prince
Lloyd Gough
Delaney
David Margulies
Phelps
Joshua Shelley
Sam
Norman Rose
Howard's Attorney
Charles Kimbrough
Committee Counselor
Josef Sommer
Committee Chairman
Danny Aiello
Danny LaGattuta
Georgann Johnson
T.V. Interviewer
Scott McKay
Hampton
David Clarke
Hubert Jackson
I.W. Klein
Bank Teller
John Bentley
Bartender
Julie Garfield
Margo
Crew
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