Woman of the Year (1942)

My Review

Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn began their legendary collaboration in 1942 with “Woman of the Year.” Their marvelous big screen chemistry came to typify all of the nine films they made together over a twenty-five year period, ending with “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” in 1967.

This romantic comedy-drama about two reporters who marry only to face marital problems when her career grows and becomes more demanding. The light and breezy mood of the film, punctuated by the dramatic element, was ensured by director George Stevens (“Giant” 1956) and screenwriters Ring Lardner Jr. and Michael Kanin.

Co-stars include Faye Bainter, Reginald Owen, William Bendix, Roscoe Karns, Minor Watson, Gladys Blake, and child actor George Kezas. “Woman of the Year” was a big hit at the box office for producer Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was nominated for two Oscars, winning one for Best Original Screenplay. The non-winner was Best Actress (Hepburn). It was entirely filmed at the venerable MGM Studios in Culver City.