Director: George Stevens
The screwball comedy is arguably my favourite film genre. I love the battle-of-the-sexes and battle-of-wits that goes on, and often find the preposterousness of the plots a joke in and of itself. Of the many pairings in this genre, Tracy and Hepburn are legendary, and it was this film that they first met on. They have wonderful chemistry. The first time Tess and Sam meet is quite sexy, and their instant attraction is clear and believeable.
Some parts of the script are a bit aged; most women these days are able to keep working and be married. But the idea of making sacrifices for your relationship was nicely presented: passion alone is not enough to sustain a marriage.
This is a very sweet and funny romance from one of cinema's greatest screen couples. Watch it to see where it all began!
It is a sweet and funny movie up until the point where Hepburn's character has to "learn2 how to be a real, submissive wife. I am sure that made the housewifes of the day feel good with themselves, but today the sentiment behind those scenes is just horrible. The movie only dares to go so far on the emancipation line.
ReplyDeleteYears later Hepburn and Tracy did Adam's Rib, which movies along the same lines, but lets Hepburn stand her ground. I think that one is my favorite Hepburn and Tracy film.
That is true, I did cringe at the end. Apparently Hepburn had wanted a more equitable end, but the studio changed it to be more conservative. Oh well! It is a joy to watch Tracy and Hepburn on screen together in anything.
DeleteAdam's Rib is definitely the better film: very, very funny and still holds up today with its gender politics.
This movie starts off well, but there is stupid material here, Mostly involving the orphan. She took up an orphan without consulting her husband? Then he just took the poor kid back to the orphanage? I found them both to be heartless buttholes that I couldn't like AT ALL. Some very bad writing in this one.
ReplyDeletePat and Mike is pretty awesome. Tracy, Hepburn, Aldo Ray, Charles Bronson, Alfalfa Schweitzer, Chuck Connors. I highly recommend Pat and Mike.
Yes, the orphan part was a 'Oh for heavens sake!' moment in the film.
DeleteI shall definitely check out Pat and Mike, thanks for the recommendation!