As I commented about another Cary Grant film (see Gunga Din), this isn't a movie for the P.C. police. It delights in poking fun at everything: political corruption, race relations, Communism, men, women, mental illness, the police, the media, immigrants, Hitler, and people with diabetes, to name a few. Anything and everyone is fair game.
The humour in 'His Girl Friday' holds up remarkably well; it's just as funny today as it was in 1940. There are only one or two references which might go over the heads of those unfamiliar with the time period. 'His Girl Friday' is funny and fast paced, and it does actually contain a love story, if a somewhat irreverent and unromantic one. It is definitely not to be missed.
F.Y.I.
* At one point in the movie, Grant- as Burns- refers in an unflattering way to someone named Archie Leach. Archibald Leach was Cary Grant's real name.
* Describing Hildy's fiance Bruce Baldwin, Burns says, "He looks like that fellow in the movies... Ralph Bellamy." Bellamy was starring as Baldwin.