Popular political columnist Katharine Hepburn (as Tess Harding) guest-stars on a radio program; and, after muffing a question about "America's National Pastime" (baseball), declares the sport should be abolished. Of course, this irks her "New York Chronicle" colleague, sports columnist Spencer Tracy (as Sam Craig). The two writers begin inking out "World War III" in their respective columns. When Mr. Tracy finally meets Ms. Hepburn's legs, in person (it's a spacious office building), it's love at first sight. But, can Tracy domesticate a feminist-leaning Hepburn?
In their first feature film team-up, Tracy and Hepburn get off to a surprisingly rocky start - the main problem with "Woman of the Year" is its insulting, offensive script, credited to Ring Lardner and Michael Kanin. These writers, along with producer Joseph L. Mankiewicz and director George Stevens, would certainly suggest a better product than what appears on the screen.
How is it that Hepburn, a worldly enough woman, knows zilch about baseball? A early scene, with Hepburn at a Yankees game, would have worked if she, in an aside, revealed she was putting Tracy on - otherwise, the scene belongs to someone like Betty Grable (or Judy Holliday). It is strange to see Hepburn almost get her neck caught in a window cord, and Tracy having trouble closing a refrigerator door - suggesting re-takes may not have been a priority.
The very weak ending has Hepburn as a watered-down "Lucy Ricardo", trying to make breakfast for her man. Tracy, who was somewhat likable (relatively speaking) through most of the film, ends with a bizarre violent act. Obviously, the characters played by Hepburn and Tracy should not be married... Thankfully, the Tracy Hepburn films got better
*** Woman of the Year (1/19/42) George Stevens ~ Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Fay Bainter
In their first feature film team-up, Tracy and Hepburn get off to a surprisingly rocky start - the main problem with "Woman of the Year" is its insulting, offensive script, credited to Ring Lardner and Michael Kanin. These writers, along with producer Joseph L. Mankiewicz and director George Stevens, would certainly suggest a better product than what appears on the screen.
How is it that Hepburn, a worldly enough woman, knows zilch about baseball? A early scene, with Hepburn at a Yankees game, would have worked if she, in an aside, revealed she was putting Tracy on - otherwise, the scene belongs to someone like Betty Grable (or Judy Holliday). It is strange to see Hepburn almost get her neck caught in a window cord, and Tracy having trouble closing a refrigerator door - suggesting re-takes may not have been a priority.
The very weak ending has Hepburn as a watered-down "Lucy Ricardo", trying to make breakfast for her man. Tracy, who was somewhat likable (relatively speaking) through most of the film, ends with a bizarre violent act. Obviously, the characters played by Hepburn and Tracy should not be married... Thankfully, the Tracy Hepburn films got better
*** Woman of the Year (1/19/42) George Stevens ~ Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Fay Bainter