My impressions: Fast paced, fast talking, no letup, enough dialogue for three movies! It's a frank look at the underbelly of politics, the wheelings and dealings of the back room. Grant Matthews (Spencer Tracy) is the likely candidate for the presidency but he's filled with such fine idealism that he becomes more of an encumbrance to his supporters who think that getting ahead means sacrificing one's ideals, pandering to those in authority, or whatever it takes to gain votes. Enter on the scene Grant's wife, Mary (Kate Hepburn) who is adamant and uncompromising when she sees how dishonest and insipid his public speeches are forced to become. But right triumphs in the end.
I must say Angela Lansbury, here in the role of a wealthy heiress, is remarkably poised and mature as an older woman in spite of her youthful looks -- a very talented lady. Both Adolphe Menjou and Van Johnson keep up the pace of dialogue and events splendidly as substantial supporting cast members.
If the term can be coined, this is a "politician's movie" yet still of interest to the ordinary viewer.
I must say Angela Lansbury, here in the role of a wealthy heiress, is remarkably poised and mature as an older woman in spite of her youthful looks -- a very talented lady. Both Adolphe Menjou and Van Johnson keep up the pace of dialogue and events splendidly as substantial supporting cast members.
If the term can be coined, this is a "politician's movie" yet still of interest to the ordinary viewer.