Friday, April 10, 2009
State of the Union
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Ah! This movie is a buried gem! I knew nothing about it when I spotted it at Costco. The play from which it is adapted continues to be produced and, apparently, over the last few years, has been considered especially timely: check out this link for proof. I purchased it solely on the strength of it being yet another Tracy/Hepburn movie. When Mom and I enthusiastically cracked the case that afternoon and watched the movie, we were both blown away! Aside from the fact that I can't believe this movie isn't more well known, it's extremely timely. It talks about political and economic issues with which we are still struggling; it suggests the possibility of not only a European Union but a World Union with a World Currency; it discusses the problems of corporate industry and talks about the relationship between management and unions...and, of course, it deals heavily with political corruption by lobbyists and business. Its story line includes a sub-story which is a frank exploration of marriage versus mistresses and the "sacrifices" wives and husbands appear to be obliged to make when one of them becomes involved in politics. It is yet another one of Frank Capra's movies and is clearly identifiable as one. And, it was made in 1948!
Mom and I were both wowed by this movie and wondered why it isn't considered among the Tracy/Hepburn classics, or among Capra's classics. We watched it multiple times before Mom died. I've watched it a couple of times since.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Spencer Tracy Grant Matthews Katharine Hepburn Mary Matthews Van Johnson Spike McManus Adolphe Menjou Jim Conover Lewis Stone Sam Thorndyke Howard Smith Sam I. Parish Maidel Turner Lulubelle Alexander Margaret Hamilton Norah
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1948
Directed by Frank Capra.
Labels: drama6, frank-capra, katharine-hepburn, me-favorite2, political3, popcorn-and-soda3, presidential, spencer-tracy, tracy-hepburn
